Holy Week 2025

Join us in-person and ONLINE  for The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 pm. The Great Vigil of Easter concludes the Triduum and is the principle liturgy of the entire liturgical year. The service begins in darkness where we kindle the new fire. A new paschal candle is blessed and lit from the new fire. The paschal candle—representing the Light of Christ—is carried down the aisle in the darkened church.

The Great Vigil of Easter is the most significant and ancient liturgy of the Christian Church, marking the beginning of the Easter celebration. It takes place between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning. This service is the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

There will be a champagne and chocolate reception following the service.

The Great Vigil of Easter consists of four parts:

1. The Service of Light : The liturgy begins in darkness, symbolizing the darkness of the tomb. A new fire is kindled, and from this fire, the Paschal Candle is lit, representing the light of Christ coming into the world. The congregation then processes into the church, following the light of the Paschal Candle.
2. The Service of Lessons : This part includes readings from the Old Testament that recount the history of salvation, highlighting God’s mighty acts and promises. Each reading is followed by a psalm or canticle and a collect.
3. Christian Initiation or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows : Traditionally, the Great Vigil was a time for baptizing new Christians. If there are candidates for baptism, the sacrament is administered. If not, the congregation renews their baptismal vows, reaffirming their commitment to the Christian faith.
4. The Holy Eucharist : The service culminates with the first Eucharist of Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. The joyful proclamation “Alleluia. Christ is risen” is made, and the congregation responds, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.”

The Great Vigil of Easter is a profound and moving liturgy that invites participants to enter deeply into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. (Source: Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices, The Book of Common Prayer)

Join us for one of our two Easter Sunday offerings.

9:00 am – Rite II Holy Eucharist (In-person & ONLINE)

11:00 am – Banquet Holy Eucharist

Join us between services for an Easter Egg Hunt out on the front lawn at 10:30 am. Bring your baskets and get ready to collect those eggs!

Easter Sunday, also known as the Feast of the Resurrection, is the most important and joyous celebration in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the foundational event of the Christian faith. Easter Sunday marks the end of Holy Week and the beginning of the Easter season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, which lasts until Pentecost.

The date of Easter is determined by the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, meaning it falls between March 22 and April 25.

The liturgy on Easter Sunday is a celebration of the new life and hope brought about by Christ’s resurrection. The service typically includes joyful hymns, such as “Jesus Christ is risen today” (Hymnal 1982, Hymn 207), and the proclamation of the Easter Gospel. The liturgical color is white, symbolizing joy and purity.

The celebration often begins with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, which was first lit during the Great Vigil of Easter, symbolizing the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of sin and death. The congregation joyfully proclaims “Alleluia,” a word of praise that is traditionally omitted during Lent but returns with the Easter celebration.

Easter Sunday is a time of great joy and celebration, as Christians around the world gather to affirm their faith in the risen Christ and the promise of eternal life. (Source: Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices, The Book of Common Prayer)