HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2012

Holy Week, the solemn commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, begins with the Sunday of the Passion, commonly known as Palm Sunday. Holy Week  services are rich in symbolism and ritual, with roots in the celebrations of ancient Christian communities in Jerusalem. The week culminates in the Great Three Days (Triduum) of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

Sunday, April 1: Palm Sunday

11 a.m. - Blessing of Palms, Palm Procession, and Choral Eucharist
                (A single, combined service - no 8:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. Eucharists)
4 p.m. - Organ Recital: Karen Christianson

Tuesday, April 3

12:10 p.m. - Celebration of Ministry
Eucharist with Consecration of Holy Oils and Clergy Renewal of Vows

Wednesday, April 4

6 p.m. - Tenebrae

Tenebrae means “darkness” or “shadows”. This choral service is a simple, yet powerful meditation on the darkness of the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Between readings, psalms, chants, and prayers, candles are extinguished until the chapel is shrouded in darkness. A single light returns, prefiguring the Resurrection.

Sacred Triduum - The Great Three Days Into Easter

Thursday, April 5: Maundy Thursday 

6 p.m. - Foot Washing and Choral Eucharist (childcare provided)

This evening’s Communion service begins with the absolution and reconciliation of the community, includes the Rite of Foot Washing, and ends with the stripping of the altars.

We gather in the cathedral to hear the Bible stories of the Passover meal, and of that Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples when he shocked his companions by kneeling to wash their feet as a servant, an action re-created as clergy and worshipers wash one another's feet. Holy Communion follows, and the service concludes with the procession to the Altar of Repose and the "stripping of the altars" – when we remove many of the furnishings from the cathedral to prepare for the stark services of Good Friday.

Friday, April 6: Good Friday

Confessions available from noon - 3 p.m.

3 p.m. - Devotion to the Cross (childcare provided)

Among the oldest Christian liturgies, our Good Friday celebration includes the Passion according to John, chanted to traditional tones; the Solemn Collects; Veneration of the Cross; and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament.

Saturday, April 7: Holy Saturday

5 p.m. - First Service of Easter - New Fire and Baptisms
Adapted for Families, Children, and Youth (childcare provided)

9 p.m. - First Service of Easter - New Fire and Baptisms

The less well-known, but most ancient Easter service, is the Great Vigil. The service begins in darkness with the kindling of a new fire, lighting the giant Easter candle, and candles for the worshipers. After the Easter proclamation (the Exsultet) is chanted, we keep vigil, singing and telling the ancient stories of Creation and the Flood, the Exodus and prophecies of new life and resurrection. Water is blessed and those who have been prepared are baptized in accord with ancient practice. Then the restraint of the vigil gives way to Easter joy and the first Holy Eucharist of Easter.

Easter Day

Sunday, April 8: Easter Day

8:30 a.m. - Choral Eucharist (childcare provided)
11 a.m. - Choral Eucharist with Brass and Tympani (childcare provided)
6 p.m. - Contemplative Eucharist on the Labyrinth

A crowded cathedral continues its Easter celebration, telling the story of the resurrection during joyful celebrations of Holy Eucharist. The day closes with a Contemplative Eucharist on the Labyrinth, where we remember the encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus.