Holy Week and Easter are the holiest days of the Christian year. During those days, we go in spirit up to Jerusalem with Jesus, to suffer and die with him that we might also rise with him to new life. Our schedule for that week is as follows:
Sunday, April 5th at 8 and 10:30 a.m. : Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus and his disciples into the Holy City of Jerusalem as recorded in Matthew 2:1-11, Mark 11:1-11a and Luke 19:29-40. On that day, we re-enact that prophetic act of Jesus and his disciples coming into the city and the peasant's acclamation of him as King by spreading their garments and branches of palm along his way. His provocative entrance will put in motion the events that will lead to his trial and death.
Thursday, April 9th at 7:30 p.m. : Maundy Thursday
This Thursday is called Maundy (after the Latin for "mandate") Thursday, and commemorates the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples, that they "love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34). In the Gospel of John, Jesus acts out this servant ministry of love by washing his friend's feet before supper, a task reserved for house slaves. In washing one another, we imitate Christ's humility and servanthood. The service ends with an optional hour watch before the chapel altar which is decorated with fresh flowers (brought by you) to symbolize the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked his disciples to watch for his betrayer while he prayed. (They lasted not one hour.) The altar for this reason is called the "Altar of Repose"; the "real presence of Christ" in the form of the consecrated bread and wine are displayed on the altar during the vigil watch. (Note: this service has been redesigned this year to be shorter.)
Friday, April 10th at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. : Good Friday Liturgy and Confessions
We walk with Jesus the "Way of Sorrows" in the Stations of the Cross and hear read the passion gospel, the story of Jesus' trial, torture and death on a cross. We then venerate, as we are lead to, the image of the crucified Lord on the "icon cross "and receive the "pre-sanctified (i.e. consecrated)" communion from the night before as there is no celebration of the Holy Communion on Good Friday. Following worship, those who wish to make a sacramental confession are invited to do so.
Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter Returns (at an earlier hour)
The Great Vigil was celebrated by the ancient church from Sundown to Sunrise and then in later years, from midnight to dawn. In this service, we light the new fire, hear read the stories of God's covenant in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, renew our baptismal vows and celebrate the first mass of Easter. In years past, this service was held at 10:30 p.m. so that it might culminate after midnight (Easter Day). We move this service forward in the evening in hopes of attracting the "critical mass" that this grand worship requires. Those interested in Holy Baptism for themselves or children are asked to speak to the Rector soon. Historically, this was once the only time in which converts to the faith were baptized and it remains the most appropriate time for baptism into the faith.
Sunday, April 12th: Easter Egg Hunt (9:45 a.m.) and Worship (10:30 a.m.)
The Easter Egg Hunt is held on the church lawn, followed by the second Mass of Easter.( Note: there is no 8 a.m. service that day.)
