"Holy Week" is the conclusion of the Lenten season, as we relive in Scripture, liturgy, and Sacrament the last days of our Lord's life. Read below to find explanations for the worship services during Holy Week.
PALM SUNDAY, April 10
8:00 AM, Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist Rite I, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Joy Mass, Zabriskie Chapel
10:30 AM, Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist Rite II, Immanuel Chapel
Palm Sunday recalls two events. First is Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, in which he rode on a donkey while the people spread branches and garments on the road before him proclaiming "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord" (Psalm 118:26). We remember this event by carrying palms, and celebrating the Kingship of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Christ’s Messianic entrance into Jerusalem, we remember that Mary, the mother of Jesus, rode a lowly donkey as she entered Bethlehem for Christ’s birth. So too, Christ the Messiah humbled himself to ride a donkey through the gates of Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is also "the Sunday of the Passion," and encompasses the events of the week that follow -- especially the day of the Crucifixion. On this day the story of the passion of Christ is traditionally read in parts.
8:00 AM, Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist Rite I, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Joy Mass, Zabriskie Chapel
10:30 AM, Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist Rite II, Immanuel Chapel
Palm Sunday recalls two events. First is Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, in which he rode on a donkey while the people spread branches and garments on the road before him proclaiming "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord" (Psalm 118:26). We remember this event by carrying palms, and celebrating the Kingship of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Christ’s Messianic entrance into Jerusalem, we remember that Mary, the mother of Jesus, rode a lowly donkey as she entered Bethlehem for Christ’s birth. So too, Christ the Messiah humbled himself to ride a donkey through the gates of Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is also "the Sunday of the Passion," and encompasses the events of the week that follow -- especially the day of the Crucifixion. On this day the story of the passion of Christ is traditionally read in parts.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 14
6:30 PM, Immanuel Chapel
"Maundy" is an Old English derivation of the Latin Mandatum, meaning "a command," referring to Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another" (John 14:34). The Maundy Thursday liturgy recalls the Last Supper, focusing particularly on the institution of the Holy Eucharist and foot washing. As Christ humbly washed the feet of his disciples, so too will we be invited to participate. All will be invited to participate in the foot washing, but it will be up to each to decide their level of participation. At the end of this service, the Altar is stripped, and the extra Sacrament which has been consecrated for the Good Friday liturgy is placed on a special "Altar of Repose" where it remains until it is consumed at the Good Friday service. The "Altar of Repose" symbolizes the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest. A ‘watch’ begins immediately following the service, at the Altar of Repose.
PRAYER WATCH: The Prayer Watch will begin on Maundy Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Oratory (the side chapel) at Immanuel Chapel, following the traditional Maundy Thursday service. The watch will continue until Friday at 12 Noon, prior to the beginning of the first Good Friday service. Immanuelites are invited to take part in the Prayer Watch by giving one hour of their time to create an unbroken vigil. Participation may be passive or active, including prayer, reading, music, art work, writing, journaling, or just being present in silence and remembrance.
6:30 PM, Immanuel Chapel
"Maundy" is an Old English derivation of the Latin Mandatum, meaning "a command," referring to Jesus' words at the Last Supper, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another" (John 14:34). The Maundy Thursday liturgy recalls the Last Supper, focusing particularly on the institution of the Holy Eucharist and foot washing. As Christ humbly washed the feet of his disciples, so too will we be invited to participate. All will be invited to participate in the foot washing, but it will be up to each to decide their level of participation. At the end of this service, the Altar is stripped, and the extra Sacrament which has been consecrated for the Good Friday liturgy is placed on a special "Altar of Repose" where it remains until it is consumed at the Good Friday service. The "Altar of Repose" symbolizes the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest. A ‘watch’ begins immediately following the service, at the Altar of Repose.
PRAYER WATCH: The Prayer Watch will begin on Maundy Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Oratory (the side chapel) at Immanuel Chapel, following the traditional Maundy Thursday service. The watch will continue until Friday at 12 Noon, prior to the beginning of the first Good Friday service. Immanuelites are invited to take part in the Prayer Watch by giving one hour of their time to create an unbroken vigil. Participation may be passive or active, including prayer, reading, music, art work, writing, journaling, or just being present in silence and remembrance.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 15
12 Noon Stations of the Cross, Immanuel Chapel
6:30 PM The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, Immanuel Chapel
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa (or Way of Sorrows) and Way of the Cross, is an ancient Christian ritual which invites the followers of Jesus to revisit the events of Jesus' passion. Legend tells us that St. Francis popularized this rite of reflection, meditation, and adoration. The stations consist of fourteen scenes beginning with Jesus' condemnation by the Sanhedrin, and concluding with his burial in the tomb.
Good Friday is designated a "Fast" in the Prayer Book, and "observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial." It is the day of the Crucifixion, the darkest and most somber of all days in the liturgical year. The Gospel recounts the death of Christ. The service ends with worshippers departing in reverent silence, but awaiting the Resurrection.
12 Noon Stations of the Cross, Immanuel Chapel
6:30 PM The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, Immanuel Chapel
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa (or Way of Sorrows) and Way of the Cross, is an ancient Christian ritual which invites the followers of Jesus to revisit the events of Jesus' passion. Legend tells us that St. Francis popularized this rite of reflection, meditation, and adoration. The stations consist of fourteen scenes beginning with Jesus' condemnation by the Sanhedrin, and concluding with his burial in the tomb.
Good Friday is designated a "Fast" in the Prayer Book, and "observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial." It is the day of the Crucifixion, the darkest and most somber of all days in the liturgical year. The Gospel recounts the death of Christ. The service ends with worshippers departing in reverent silence, but awaiting the Resurrection.
HOLY SATURDAY, April 16
7:30 PM, The Great Vigil of Easter, Immanuel Chapel
Celebrated after sunset on the night before Easter, this service dates back to the first and second centuries of the early Christian Church. Perhaps more than in other service we revert to our Jewish roots, in that Easter begins at sunset. We gather outdoors, in the old Chapel Garden, to build the New Fire of Easter, and then process into a darkened church. By candlelight we hear Scripture lessons reminding us of the history of Salvation. We celebrate Baptisms, and Easter begins, with the first Eucharist of Easter. While not intended to replace the services on Easter Day, this most ancient liturgy is meant to enhance our Easter experience and make it richer and more meaningful. All are invited to bring a bell to ring at the announcement of the Lord’s Resurrection.
7:30 PM, The Great Vigil of Easter, Immanuel Chapel
Celebrated after sunset on the night before Easter, this service dates back to the first and second centuries of the early Christian Church. Perhaps more than in other service we revert to our Jewish roots, in that Easter begins at sunset. We gather outdoors, in the old Chapel Garden, to build the New Fire of Easter, and then process into a darkened church. By candlelight we hear Scripture lessons reminding us of the history of Salvation. We celebrate Baptisms, and Easter begins, with the first Eucharist of Easter. While not intended to replace the services on Easter Day, this most ancient liturgy is meant to enhance our Easter experience and make it richer and more meaningful. All are invited to bring a bell to ring at the announcement of the Lord’s Resurrection.
EASTER SUNDAY, April 17, The Feast of the Resurrection, Easter Day
7:30 AM, Easter Holy Eucharist, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Joy Mass, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Festival Holy Eucharist, Immanuel Chapel
11:15 AM, Festival Holy Eucharist, Immanuel Chapel
Easter is the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection and the life of the risen Christ, which we are called to carry into the world. It is the highest feast day of the Christian year, and the Easter morning services are bright and triumphant. Christ, our Savior is Risen! Alleluia!
7:30 AM, Easter Holy Eucharist, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Joy Mass, Zabriskie Chapel
9:00 AM, Festival Holy Eucharist, Immanuel Chapel
11:15 AM, Festival Holy Eucharist, Immanuel Chapel
Easter is the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection and the life of the risen Christ, which we are called to carry into the world. It is the highest feast day of the Christian year, and the Easter morning services are bright and triumphant. Christ, our Savior is Risen! Alleluia!