Weekly Rector's Note: Holy Week Is Coming

Dear Saints,

In just two weeks our observance of Holy Week begins.

In the services between Palm Sunday and Easter, the central drama of the Christian faith will be remembered, retold, and replayed -- as it has been for centuries. Together these liturgies enable us to enter into the mystery of Christ, to be deepened and transformed by it, and provide the chance to engage our senses fully through rich symbols and dramatic storytelling. Or as a mentor of mine once said, “The rest of the liturgical year hangs upon everything we do in this week.”

Because these are such important services, and because they will be here before we know it, I encourage you to put them on your calendar now. This year will be especially meaningful because it will be the first year we can return to practices we had to forego in the pandemic, like the Maundy Thursday Agape Meal or having a full brass quartet on Easter Sunday. After the last two years of “wilderness time,” it will be the perfect time for an extra festive celebration.

Although we still have two more Sundays in Lent, this Sunday we get one last mini celebration with Laetare Sunday. Named for the Latin word “rejoice,” this is the Sunday the church expresses hope and joy in the midst of Lenten solemnity. We do this by wearing our beautiful rose colored vestments, which always make it feel like a party, and by adorning the Chancel with flowers.

In peace,

Andria+