Special Services at St. Luke's

Advent Carol Service
This service of Solemn Evensong incorporates the carols of Advent, readings that proclaim the Christmas prophecies, a procession and the Service of Benediction. Traditionally, it takes place on the second Sunday in Advent.

The Service of Benediction
Benediction is closely linked to the celebration of the Eucharist. The bread of eternal life is place in the monstrance and set on the Altar for all to see. At the climax of the service, the priest blesses the congregation with the monstrance while bells ring joyously. It is a contemplative time, an opportunity to "feed upon" and "digest further" the food of eternal life Ð the great mystery bequeathed to the Church by our Lord.

The Solemnity of Candlemas
This service commemorates three events: the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Feast of Lights. Traditionally, the Christmas decorations of lights, green boughs and extra candles remain in the church building until after Candlemas. The evening service includes Evensong, the Blessing of Candles, procession and Benediction.

Tenebrae
At St. Luke's, Tenebrae is observed on the Wednesday evening in Holy Week. The name comes from the Latin word for darkness or shadows, and the service provides an extended meditation upon the life of our Lord between the Last Supper and the Resurrection. After each of the readings, a light or candle is extinguished until only one light remains. Then, even this one light is hidden, to symbolize the apparent victory of the forces of evil. A loud noise is made to represent the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection and the hidden candle is restored to its place in the sanctuary. By this light, all depart in silence.

The Feast of Pentecost
Pentecost (or Whitsunday) is a celebration of High Mass with procession, asperges and the presentation of the gifts of the seven flames.

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated on the second Sunday after Pentecost. Included as part of the service is the Corpus Christi Procession when the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the monstrance and taken out into the neighbourhood. A canopy is held over the priest as he walks carrying the monstrance, and flower girls strew petals along the route. Hymns are sung by the people as they process around the church boundaries.

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