People book up their holidays early, though this year more people may be staying at home. Our holy days are vital to us so we post here reminders of our observances which we invite you to join. Palm Sunday, which falls this year on 28 March, is the beginning of Holy Week, the most significant week in the Christian year. Christmas only makes sense if the man born is the one crucified and risen. Holy Week culminates in the keeping of the Easter Triduum, the three days which begin with Maundy Thursday and end with Easter Day. On Maundy Thursday we shall commemorate the last Supper when Jesus had with his disciples when he washed their feet as a symbol of humility and service. After the supper Jesus went with his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, asking of them ‘Can you not watch with me one hour?’ The ancient tradition of the church is strip the altar of all signs of devotion and to watch at least some portion of the night after the celebration of the supper. Our Eucharist of the Last Supper and Watch of the Passion is at 7.00 pm at South Creake. The following day, Good Friday, the day of Christ’s crucifixion is kept by a service which includes the reading of the Passion from St John’s gospel and the Veneration and Prayers at the foot of a large cross we is brought into church for the purpose. The Liturgy of the Passion is at 10.30 am. Jesus rose from the dead ‘while it was yet dark’ on Easter day. We gather on Easter Eve at 8.00 pm and light a fire from which the Easter candle is lit. The candle, symbolising the resurrection, is taken into church and everyone lights their candles from it to listen to the Easter proclamation. |
