Holy Week and Easter 2022
From Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection, Christians through the ages have found that a devotional focus on these last days in the life of Jesus can have a life-changing effect on us in the present. By following in his steps, listening intently to his final words to his dearest friends and to his words from the cross, even re-enacting some of the most poignant and penetrating moments of these last days, we find ourselves feeling as if our devotional sharing in his passion leads to a deeper sharing in his resurrection.
The liturgies and devotions of Holy Week are time-honored ways of drawing nearer to the heart of God. So, whoever you are and whatever has brought you to this moment at this time, we welcome you in our journey to a deeper life in God.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Communion sign-up | Worship video for Palm Sunday | PDF bulletin
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the day we remember Jesus gathered with the disciples in an upper room where he washed their feet and shared a meal with them the night before his trial and crucifixion. We mark the Institution of the Lord's Supper, and Jesus' new commandment (mandatum--the origin of the name Maundy Thursday) to "love one another."
We will post a worship video at 5 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, and if you wish, you may sign up to come to church to receive Communion between 7 and 9 p.m.
Beginning at 9 p.m., an all-night vigil is kept in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit with the reserved sacrament and the vigil candle. The chapel is adorned with greenery to recall the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed in the hours before he was betrayed, tried and crucified. Participants take turns staying awake and praying for at least one hour. This year, you can join this vigil via live stream at any time after the service or during the night.
Maundy Thursday Communion Sign-up | Worship Video for Maundy Thursday | PDF bulletin | Link to livestream for prayer vigil (offered from 9 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday)
Good Friday
Worship Video for Good Friday | PDF bulletin
In-person times for prayer between Noon and 2 p.m. (sign up here)
Livestream page
Stations of the Cross, 5:30-7 p.m. (sign up here)
On Good Friday, we will post a worship video in the morning. You may sign up to come to church between Noon and 2 p.m. to pray, and to see the Chapel of the Holy Spirit adorned with greenery to recall the Garden of Gethsemane. We will also offer a livestream from the chapel during those hours.
Friday evening, you may come to church to take part in the Stations of the Cross, offered by St. Stephen's youth. This will take place outdoors, safely distanced. If you come to Stations of the Cross, please ensure that you are wearing a mask and that you've signed up in advance.
The parish office and the café close at Noon on Good Friday.
Daily Morning Prayer
Join Daily Morning Prayer at 8:10 a.m., Monday through Friday of Holy Week, using a live stream that can be found here. If you do not have a Book of Common Prayer at home, you can use the online prayer book here. (The parish office will be closed Monday, April 5--the Monday in Easter week--and there will be no service that day.)
An order of service for Morning Prayer at St. Stephen's during Holy Week is available here.
Easter at St. Stephen's
Read about Easter services at St. Stephen's here.
Contact
Questions? Call 804.288.2867.