St. Mary’s, Ilford

The Choir were in good form this morning at the Parish Mass at St. Mary’s, Ilford where I celebrated and preached. The Gloria and Creed were sung to Martin Shaw whilst the rest of the Mass was Schubert’s Deutsche Messe. As a change, this week the Psalm was sung to Anglican Chant which I really enjoyed. At the Communion the choir beautifully sang the unaccompanied anthem “If ye love me” by Tallis. St. Mary’s has a long musical tradition and many of the choristers have years of service between them. They rehearse after the Parish Mass and, usually, sing two services each Sunday.

This will be my last Sunday at St. Mary’s for the while being although I will be there during this week for two of the daily masses. The congregation of St. Mary’s are warm, friendly and welcoming and it always a real joy to be with them. Next Sunday I will be back at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green to preach and concelebrate.