Holiday Services for Principle Feasts

Passion/Palm Sunday
What is it? Palm Sunday is the service that commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and subsequent trial and crucifixion.

When is it? Sunday April 1, 2012, at 9 AM and 11 AM.

How long? The usual service lengths.

What is it like? Festive initially-children love the Blessing and Procession of the Palms.

Tenebrae
What is it? Tenebrae, taken from the Latin word for shadows, is an extended meditation on Christ’s suffering and death. The service features readings interspersed with music and silent prayer. Light has a prominent role: candles are progressively extinguished until a single candle – representing Christ – remains. Then it too is briefly taken away, leaving the church in darkness. It is restored at the end of the service as a foretaste of the Resurrection.

When is it? Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

How long? About an hour and a half.

What’s it like? One parishioner called Tenebrae “One of the most moving services [he has] ever experienced.”

Maundy Thursday Footwashing and Stripping of the Altar
What is it? Maundy Thursday originates from the Latin mandatum, which refers to Jesus’ command “Love one another as I have loved you” and commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his followers. The service includes foot-washing of members of the congregation by clergy and church leaders and is followed by Communion. The service ends with a procession to the “Altar of Repose” and the stripping of the altar, which symbolizes Christ’ abandonment by his followers preceding the Passion. An all-night watch will be held in the Nave.

When is it? Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

How long? About an hour and a half

What is it like? Very moving, very humbling, very powerful.

Good Friday
What is it? The Stations of the Cross. This traditional devotional practice was begun by Franciscan brothers in the middle ages and is still practiced every Friday in Jerusalem.

When is it? Noon, Friday, April 6, 2012

How long? Less than an hour

What is it like? There are traditionally 14 stations hung around the church. Participants can move from station to station participating in readings, prayers and a simple sung chant. The first station is Jesus’ Condemnation, the last his being laid in the tomb. The children’s Stations of the Cross is interactive and participatory.

What is it? The Good Friday Liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer is a service that commemorates Christ’s crucifixion and death.

When is it? Friday April 6, 2012, 7:30 PM.

How long? About an hour.

What is it like? The service includes the reading of St. John’s passion narrative, simple hymns, veneration of the cross, and communion from the “Pre-consecrated” sacrament. This is the last of the reserved sacrament from Maundy Thursday. There is no celebration of Eucharist on Good Friday. Simple, somber, and stark, this service can move you to the core of your being.

Easter Vigil
What is it? The Vigil is the Service of Light that ends Holy Week. It begins in darkness with the entry of the Paschal candle and the singing of the Exsultet, a song celebrating Christ’s rebirth. It continues with reading and Psalms, Baptisms, Proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection and the first Eucharist of Easter.

When is it? Saturday, April 7, 2012, 7:30 PM.

How long? About and hour and a half.

What is it like? This is the service upon which every Sunday Eucharist is based, filled with powerful symbols and the glorious welcome of the Easter miracle.

Easter Day
What is it? Easter services celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

When is it? Sunday April 8, 2012 at 9AM and 11AM.
(10:15AM: Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch)

How long? About and hour.

What is it like? Making joyful noises to the Lord! Triumphant organ accompaniments, brass fanfares, festivity, and the choirs singing all-out. There is food as well!

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