Holy Week, April 17th through 23d, is the most solemn period of the Church year. It is the week which recalls events in the life of Christ that are central to our Christian faith: the entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

Palm Sunday, April 17th, 10:00 am: The distinctive feature of Palm Sunday is the dual nature of the liturgy and its music. The shouts of "hosanna" to our King soon change to shouts of "Crucify him." The liturgy paradoxically gains strength from its 'schizophrenic' nature. As the liturgy begins in triumph, so should it end in contemplation as we prepare to recall the Passion of Our Lord. Our services on this day consist of the Blessing of the Palms and Holy Eucharist. We will begin our 10:00 am service at the front door of the church and process around the church before entering.

The Triduum of Three Great Days: The liturgies of these days are tied together as one single liturgical act. This is the time where we pass over with Christ from death to life, commemorating each event in the drama of our salvation. All are encouraged to attend each of these services.

Maundy Thursday, April 21, 7:00 pm: The name Maundy Thursday derives from a linguistic corruption of the Gospel words in Latin, 'Mandatum novum," I give you a "new commandment." The Liturgy of this day emphasizes the institution of the the Holy Eucharist and the "new commandment" to love one another, symbolized by the washing of feet. It also marks the beginning of the commemoration of the Passion and Death of Our Lord signified visually by the stripping and washing of the altar as the liturgy concludes in silence.

Good Friday, April 22, 7:00 pm: Unlike on all other days of the year, the Eucharist is not celebrated on this day nor is Communion distributed. This is a poignant reminder of Christ's death and departure from this world.

We have been invited by King of Kings Lutheran Church to a Good Friday dramatic presentation at either 4:30 pm or 7:00 pm. Fliers will be distributed giving details.

The Great Vigil of Easter will not be held at St. Anne's this year. We do not have the resources yet to conduct this liturgy in an appropriate manner. We do encourage you to attend this service at another Episcopal church and will publicize the locations and times.

The Vigil, a remnant of prayerful watches through the night hours common in the early Church, can present a challenge in the fast-paced world of today. Yet Holy Week is not complete without the Easter Vigil, as it is the culmination of our sacred observances and the beginning of the celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection.

The Easter Vigil is four liturgies combined: The Lighting of the New Fire, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter. Throughout the week, we have anticipated the darkness of death and the tomb. Now at the Vigil this process is reversed as the Liturgy moves with austere solemnity, and we watch and wait for Our Lord's Resurrection. We begin with the Lighting of the New Fire at sunset outside the church. The congregation moves into the church for the triumphant singing of the Exsulte (Rejoice now, heavenly hosts). All this preparation then leads to the joyous acclamation, Gloria in excelsis, immediately followed by a fanfare and bells that introduce the Eucharist. This service lasts approximately two hours.

Easter Day, April 23, 10:00 am: is the greatest feast of the Christian Year, and it should be celebrated with all possible splendor and solemnity. This is a time of great celebration and rejoicing in our redemption. Look for more information regarding and Easter Egg Hunt for the young and young at heart and a pot-luck Easter Tea.