Holy Week is a privileged time when we are called to draw near to Jesus: friendship with him is shown in times of difficulty. - Pope Francis
The season of Lent has been moving quickly for me this year, in part due to our time away on pilgrimage. As this season continues, I want to offer some additional encouragement for your full participation in the services of Holy Week and outline our special offerings. Palm Sunday | April 2nd | 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. This Sunday is unique. Weather permitting, we begin in the courtyard with prayers and a blessing of the palms. Then, the congregation waves its palms as we process to worship together, reminiscent of Jesus' entry to Jerusalem. This service also includes a reading of the Passion Gospel. Maundy Thursday | April 6th | 7:30 p.m. This service highlights several significant moments from the Gospel story, including Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, which we experience together. This day also marks the establishment of our Eucharist as it commemorates the Last Supper. Finally, the service concludes with the stripping of the altar so that it is bare on Good Friday. This recalls the soldiers' removal of Jesus from the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Night Watch | Thursday, April 6th 9:00 p.m. - Friday, April 7th 11:59 a.m. Night Watch is a prayer vigil that begins as the Maundy Thursday service ends and continues through the night until the noon service on Good Friday. Throughout the night we will offer hourly prayer shifts. Prayer resources will be available to help enrich the hours of prayer and watching. Interested in participating? Register HERE. Good Friday | April 7th | 12:00 p.m. The liturgy of Good Friday recalls the day and moment of Jesus' death. It features a reading of the Passion Gospel as well, typically from the Gospel of John, whereas we rotate among the others on Palm Sunday. There is no Eucharist at this service, for it is one day in the church year when it is discouraged and the tabernacle (where reserve sacrament is held) is laid bare. Easter Vigil | April 8th | 7:30 p.m. Weather permitting, this service begins outside with the kindling of new light. Those gathered process together and begin with worship in candlelight. We hear several scriptures that point to moments of God’s salvific acts, paired with prayers and music for reflection. Then, the first acclamation of Easter is offered and the lights are brought up. This service includes baptisms, or the renewal of baptismal vows if none are to be baptized. Easter Sunday | April 9th | 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Easter is the Sunday on which all other Sundays are modeled. We are an Easter people: we dress our best and celebrate with resounding hymns and declare that Christ is Risen. An egg hunt for all ages will immediately follow this service. For more details regarding our Holy Week offerings, visit the Holy Week page on our website. I hope you will participate as fully as possible in these services. Each is unique and helps us understand Easter and our faith more clearly. Together, these services tell a powerful story and move us toward Christ in all that we do.
Blessings -
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