Holy Week and Easter: What do we do? Why do we do it?

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. The mass on this day divides into two parts.

The first part is the procession from the centre out into the street and then into church. This is preceded by the blessing of the palm crosses and fresh branches. In the reading of the gospel we hear of Jesus entering Jerusalem to great acclaim. The procession is in honour of Jesus Christ our king hence the use of the colour red. An important part of our spiritual journey through Lent; we walk with Jesus to face with him the cost of the salvation of the world.

The second part of the mass necessitates a mood change, as once in church we look towards the forthcoming suffering to be endured by Jesus. The dramatic reading of the story of his suffering and death focuses our minds upon what Easter is all about and prepares us for its celebration. (Please don’t forget to bring your fresh green branches for the procession).

Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of Easter and the first part of the Easter Service. The evening mass takes us in mind and heart to the Upper room where Jesus celebrated the last supper with his disciples and gave them the gift we receive each time we celebrate the Eucharist.

The mass on this night is always a moving one, as in music and ceremonial we try to capture the feel of the night in which Jesus was betrayed. The mass includes the ceremony of the washing of feet as performed by Jesus himself and concludes with the solemn procession of the consecrated bread and wine to the side chapel. This becomes the focus for a period of prayer and contemplation till midnight bringing to mind the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. (please don’t forget to bring your hand-bells to ring at the beginning of the service).

Good Friday marks the day of Jesus’ death. The service continues on from the night before, with the church having been stripped of ornaments and colour. The service begins and ends in silence. The story of Jesus death is sung in a traditional chant, the image of Christ upon the cross on the East wall is venerated, as we are called to show our love for him who in giving of himself showed His love for us. The service is an intensely moving one and cannot be compared to any other in the year.

Easter Eve marks the beginning of the celebration of the resurrection once it is dark on Saturday night. The service is again a continuation of that of the day before. The church is in darkness and people gather outside as the new fire is kindled. From this the Easter Candle is lit and processed into the dark church as the dawning of the truth of Jesus’ resurrection is proclaimed. In the light of this, readings from scripture are heard drawing out God’s purposes for his people from the beginning of creation. At the appropriate point all the lights are switched on, bells are rung and the mass of the resurrection begins.. Baptismal vows are renewed and the risen Christ comes among his people in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The service of the Easter Vigil and the First Mass of the Resurrection is rich in symbolism and draws us into the truth of the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ who died yet rose again.

If you have not experienced the Easter services before or haven’t for some time please do consider coming along to mark properly the most important festival for all Christian people.

7.30 pm Maundy Thursday
2.00 pm Good Friday
8.30 pm Holy Saturday, (Easter Eve)