HOLY WEEK SPECIAL SERVICES EXPLAINED
PALM SUNDAY recalls Jesus
triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On this day we have the Blessing of the Palms and
procession. The mood of the Palm Sunday service then shifts from triumphal entry into the
Passion. The Passion Gospel is read in parts, with the entire congregation reading the
part of the crowd, a reminder that this story is our story. The Junior Choir will
sing at the 10:30 AM Eucharist.
Beginning the evening of Palm Sunday we
will pray the Stations of the Cross at 6:30 every evening of Holy Week. Fourteen
pictures depicting incidents from Christs last journey from His trial to His
entombment are hung around the church. We walk from station to station. At each one
related Scripture is read, along with prayer. For many, this is an excellent aid in
increasing the meaning of Holy Week. At 6:25 PM, Mother Liza will do a brief explanation
for those for whom this is a new experience.
MAUNDY THURSDAY is a day when we
remember a number of events, specifically, the institution of the Last Supper, the
betrayal, agony in the garden, arrest, and trial. "Maundy" comes from the Latin
word "mandatum" meaning "commandment" as on this night Christ gave us
a new commandment: that we love one another as He has loved us. Following the celebration
of the Eucharist is the Stripping of the Altar, while Psalm 22 is chanted.
This represents Christ being stripped of His garments. Following that is the night watch
in the chapel. People may sign up to sit in the chapel for one hour, from 8 PM Maundy
Thursday to Noon on Good Friday. This is done to recall the agony in the garden and
Christs question to His disciples, "Could you not watch with me one hour?"
This is a good time for prayer and/or reading. There will be a sign up sheet is on the
bulletin board.
GOOD FRIDAY is the day we recall
Christs crucifixion. Because every Eucharist is a celebration of the resurrection,
the Eucharist is not celebrated on this day. Instead, there is the Good Friday Liturgy
with the Mass of the Pre-Sanctified (communion from the Reserved Sacrament). Additional
bread and wine are consecrated on Maundy Thursday so that we can receive communion on this
day even though there is no Eucharistic celebration. |