Holy Week & Easter Services

Mar 28

Holy Week is the most important week of our liturgical year, and there are lots of services and events happening for us to read, learn, pray, sing, and join with others to live the story, be present at the crucifixion, grieve the death of Jesus, and celebrate his resurrection!

The march to the cross and Christ’s glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday begins on Palm Sunday, (April 13 this year), and continues all week. Holy Week is the most important time in the Christian calendar, traditionally a time of prayer, fasting, and contemplation.

The Easter Triduum (Latin: Three days) consists of three worship services over three days, which mirror Christ’s last days before his death. Maundy Thursday is the celebration of the Last Supper, Christ’s final meal with his disciples, when he washes their feet, tells them that one of them will betray him, and breaks bread and wine. Our service incorporates the washing of feet, as the priests wash the feet of those in the congregation who chose to participate. It continues with the most sacred celebration of Holy Eucharist, the remembrance of the Last Supper. The service doesn’t technically end, as the parishioners leave in silence, and the altar is stripped.

The service continues on Good Friday, as we tell the story of Christ’s trial, crucifixion and death on the cross. There are two services, an all-ages service at 9:30, told in a way that is accessible to children, but meaningful to all. From 12 pm to 3 pm the choir will be singing Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu Nostri, interspersed with readings, prayers, and time for silent meditation. Both these services begin and end in silence, as the triduum continues.

The Three Days concludes with the Great Vigil of Easter. It begins with a bonfire outside, from which the pascal candle is lit. The candle leads congration in a procession in to the church, which is in darkness, in the Service of Light. The Liturgy of the Word follows, readings and hymns as we wait for the resurrection of Christ. Next is a renewal of Baptism. Finally, as the sun sets and Easter is officially upon us, the lights are thrown up, the bells ring, we proclaim his resurrection, and partake of the first Eucharist of Easter.

Holy Week concludes with Easter Sunday, which will be a glorious, brilliant celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.

Palm Sunday

April 13

Christ’s triumphant procession into Jerusalem

9 am Said Eucharist (BCP)

11 am Sung Eucharist (BAS) with palm procession

Maundy Thursday

April 17

Christ’s Last Supper

6 pm Food and Fellowship

7 pm Service of Holy Communion, with footwashing

A joint service with st benedict’s table

Good Friday

April 18

Christ’s arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death

9:30 am All Ages Service

This shorter service is designed to be accessible for all ages, telling the story of Jesus’ death and crucifixion in a way that’s understandable, interesting, and interactive for children.