Easter is the most important holiday of the Christian Church. Despite the rampant commercialism promoting Christmas (the birth of Jesus), it is the commemoration of His death and resurrection that is most deeply significant in understanding the Christian faith.
Traditions have been developed over many centuries that allow Christians to enter into the final week in the life of Christ. Holy Week, which falls on April 13-20 this year, offers a number of rites to mark these important events.
Although some churches today minimize involvement in such practices, members of Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Episcopal churches are particularly likely to follow these traditions; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Hollister is an example of a congregation committed to historical worship while combining modern practices.
One exciting innovation is meant to introduce children ages 3 to 12 to “the wonder and awe of Holy Week.” A children’s retreat is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 12, Palm Saturday, at St. Luke’s, 431 Seventh St., Hollister. The retreat will be held at the church and at Dunne Park. Participants will experience a reenactment of many of Holy Week’s most significant events, such as:
• Walking the way of the cross
• Handling coins Judas received in blood money
• Touching a crown of thorns
• Driving nails into a wooden cross
• Witnessing the excitement of an empty tomb
Although snacks are provided, participants should bring a sack lunch and $5. Register by calling (831) 637-7570 or emailing st****@ga****.com.
Palm Sunday, April 13, receives its name from the Gospel accounts of Jerusalem crowds welcoming Jesus’ arrival by cheering and waving palm branches. At 10 a.m. the congregation will participate in a palm blessing ceremony at Dunne Park, then proceed to the church for a Eucharist celebration, including a dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel (recounting the events of Holy Week).
Maundy Thursday, April 17, is named for the Latin word for “command.” It was the day Jesus gave his disciples the new commandment that they should “love one another.” Because Jesus had his final meal with them that night, St. Luke will hold a ritual meal called a Seder Supper at
6 p.m., followed by a Eucharist that will include a “foot washing” ceremony (in memory of Jesus’s actions before the Last Supper) and solemn stripping of adornments from the altar.
Good Friday, April 18, will feature three observances to mark the suffering and death of Christ.
• At noon, participants will gather in the church for silent devotions like Stations of the Cross or walk the outdoor labyrinth.
• At 12:30 there will be a Good Friday Liturgy with Holy Communion distributed from sacraments consecrated the previous day.
• At 7 p.m., St. Luke’s parishioners will participate in an Ecumenical Good Friday Service held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 670 College St. Clergy from St. Benedict Catholic Church, Hollister United Methodist Church, Hollister Presbyterian Church, Abundant Life Church and St. Luke will enter carrying an enormous cross; the service will feature reflections based on the “Seven Last Words of Christ,” hymns and time for meditation.
At 8 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 19, the Great Vigil of Easter will be held at St. Luke’s. This solemn service features readings from the Old and New Testaments that trace God’s saving acts, lighting of the Paschal Candle, baptisms and the First Mass of the Resurrection, accompanied by incense.
Easter, April 20, will begin with an Ecumenical Sunrise Service at Dunne Park at 6:30 a.m. sponsored by Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St., followed by breakfast and Easter egg hunt at HUMC. Celebrations at St. Luke will include a simple said Eucharist at 8 a.m. and a Festive Eucharist at 10 a.m. with hymns and music. Children are invited to hunt for Easter eggs immediately following.
Through the observance of such ancient traditions each year, Christians symbolically enter into a pilgrimage of faith, accompanying Jesus from adulation to tragedy to final triumph over death.
Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Contact him at cf****@sv**********.com.
