Holy Week at Church of the Redeemer - Part 1 | The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

Holy Week

From early times, Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special prayer and devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, numerous pilgrims to the holy city of Jerusalem followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated sacred sites and relics. From this beginning evolved the practices we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services and our prayers through these days invite us to experience the last days of Jesus’ earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection. The three holy days, or Triduum, of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are at the heart of Holy Week prayer and worship.

- from episcopalchurch.org

AtChurch of the Redeemer, the tradition is to worship daily, starting with Palm Sunday going through to Easter. This daily observance of worship allows for us to journey with Jesus, and Jesus’ community. To hear and witness the suffering and death, to be in community together, walking the path alongside one another. Experiencing the narrative this way, we are able to hear the whole story – the best and worst of humanity, and the fullness of God’s love for us. Jesus’ Passion still resonates today.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 2. On this day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry to Jerusalem – the climax of his ministry and the last week of his earthly life. Recalling the palms that were laid upon the road to welcome Jesus, we will have the liturgy of the Palms at all Sunday services: 8am, 9am, 11am, and 5pm, and will participate in a dramatic reading of the Christ’s Passion at the Rite II service at 9am.

Each week from now until Palm Sunday we will feature a part of our customs and worship practices here at Church of the Redeemer. We hope this will draw you closer to the meaning and beauty of our Liturgy. Next week we introduce Maundy Thursday.

Tags: Notices

Sermons

Oct 20 | The Rev. Dr. Herschel Wade
Letting baggage go

Oct 17 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
Impossible

Oct 6 | The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane
All Things Ungodly and Other Reconcilable Differences

Sep 29 | The Rev. Joyce Keeshin
The Path is made by Walking

Sep 22 | The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane
Row Row Row Your Boat

Rector's Blog

Nov 22 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
WLSU, After The Thing

Nov 15 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
WLSU, Don't Let Go

Nov 8 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
WLSU: Work Hard. Be Kind

Nov 1 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
WLSU, The Days After

Oct 25 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
WLSU, Believing Now