THE PILGRIMMAGE TO EASTER
MARCH 28 10:30 A.M. PASSION SUNDAY WITH THE LITURGY OF THE PALMS
(Gather first in the parish hall for the Liturgy of the Palms, followed by the procession of palms into the church for the communal reading of the Passion storyAccording to Luke)
MARCH 31 6:15 – 7 P.M. HOLY WEDNESDAY
Taize Prayer service using the chants of Taize and contemplative silence will conclude with prayer around the cross.
APRIL 1 6:00 P.M. MAUNDY THURSDAY
Gathering in the sanctuary we begin with a soup, bread and cheese dinner together as an Agape Feast of the community. We move at 7 P.M. into the Liturgy of the Washing of Feet and the Eucharist (Communion) – signs given by Jesus on his last night with his friends. The evening ends with the community “stripping of the sanctuary” as we listen to the words of Psalm 22.
APRIL 2 10:30 – 11:30 A.M. GOOD FRIDAY
The community gathers to move through the stations of the Cross and then with song and prayer gather in adoration around the central symbol of the Cross.
APRIL 3 7:30 P.M. HOLY SATURDAY – THE GREAT VIGIL
Gathering first in the parish hall, the community kindles the new fire of Easter and then processes that fire into the church. Individuals receive light from that fire in lighting candles and then assemble to hear the stories of our ancestors that give meaning to the Christian experience of Christ. The community then announces the new Easter, redresses the sanctuary, renews the baptism by which we are united to Christ in death and resurrection, then gathers in the Eucharist as the food for this new life. The evening concludes by feasting together with wine and cheese in the parish hall.
APRIL 4 10:30 A.M. EASTER DAY – THE FEAST DAY OF THE RESURRECTION
PREPARING FOR EASTER
The Pilgrimage to Easter is very much the work of the whole community of Christ. To this end there are several opportunities for participation:
1. Two to three weeks Prior to Palm Sunday you might bring in cuttings from forsythia and/or pussy willow bushes and place them in water to force the blooming, so that they might be added to our procession of the palms.
2. There is opportunity for 2-3 members of the community to join in the liturgy of washing of feet as those who do the washing along with the presiding clergy. This involves pouring water over the feet of fellow parishioners, bathing and drying them in imitation of Jesus for his disciples. Those wanting to offer this service should speak with Father Greg well in advance of the evening. Others present will be invited to participate by having feet washed. This is a prayerful submission and should be prepared for spiritually and physically (foot wear that is easily removed). Those present will also be invited to assist in the stripping of the sanctuary. Contributions toward the pre-service Feast of Soup, Bread and Cheese would be appreciated (contact: Jan Gannon).
3. The stations of the Cross for Good Friday are marked by crosses belonging to members of the community. These need to be large enough to be visible from a distance and you will be asked to write a note about the personal significance of the cross you offer. (contact Pam Hill). There will also be an opportunity to have personal crosses blessed as part of the service. Individuals are welcome to present such crosses at the time of the Adoration of the Cross. Also in preparation for the Good Friday service, the community is invited to collect “headlines” from newspapers and magazines that reflect for you the violence and tyranny of the Crucifixion. These will be attached to the wood of the Cross and form the intercessions for the service. (deliver to Pam Hill by Passion/Palm Sunday – March 28).
4. Contributions of Wine,Cheese and Crackers (or other snacking finger food) for the post Easter Vigil Service (April 3) will be gratefully received as we gather for this service. Personal bells are also encouraged for the time in the service to welcome the Easter proclamation.
NOTE: There is also an Easter Vigil service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on April 3 at 7:30 P.M. to which individuals of the city’s parishes are invited. The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Fred Hiltz, will preside and preach and the service will be supported by the Cathedral Choir.