This week, I've started getting ready for our Holy Week services at Christ Church. I know there are a lot of folks who are new to the Episcopal Church (and those of us who aren't can always use a reminder), so for the next few weeks leading up to Holy Week, I'm going to dedicate part of this space to talking about the services. As Ed put it at vestry this week: "Maybe you should actually say what it means to strip the altar? It gets really uncomfortable without those kneelers!" (that happens on Maundy Thursday, which is the topic of next week's email...)
Here, our observance of Holy Week begins on Wednesday, with a service of healing and reconciliation. Technically, the services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil are ONE service, called the Triduum-one long meditation on the events of Christ's Passion and resurrection. It's an intense experience, and helps us to approach the heart of what we believe as Christians. I find that the Wednesday service helps us to draw near to those services that observe Christ's passion with (if you'll excuse the expression), our spiritual ducks in a row. The service consists of a regular Holy Eucharist, but instead of doing the general confession like we do on Sundays, we do the rite of Reconciliation (sometimes called Confession) all together. In the time when the penitent is invited to confess particular sins, we have time for silence.
The rite of reconciliation has a distinctive place in Anglican/Episcopal tradition quite unlike its place in the Roman Catholic Church, where people are more familiar with it. It's not ever required of anyone-the absolution we receive all together as part of the regular Sunday service is sufficient-but doing the rite can be especially healing if there are particular sins and sorrows on your heart. The rite consists of prayers to enlighten us to acknowledge and remember what we have to confess. The penitent promises to forgive others as s/he accepts God's forgiveness. The rite concludes with the absolution and these words: Now there is rejoicing in heaven; for you were lost, and are found; you were dead, and are now alive in Christ Jesus our Lord. Abide in peace. The Lord has put away all your sins.
In our Wednesday service, the reconciliation of the penitent is followed by a litany of prayers for healing. After the litany, individuals who desire special prayers for healing (for you or for someone else) come to the altar rail. The Celebrant makes the sign of the cross on the person's forehead as they kneel at the altar rail, and whoever is present is invited to come up and lay a hand on their shoulder. Healing services have become quite common in the Church; some parishes do them regularly even on Sundays. The rite reminds us that God is never far away, though we sometimes need special assurance of God's presence and grace.
After prayers for healing, we celebrate the Eucharist. We are re-membered as the Body of Christ, nourished and sent out in God's grace. We meet next for the liturgy of Maundy Thursday, which you'll learn more about in next week's email!
Blessings,
Sara+
In the Wider Church and Community
Saturday, April 25: The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Parish Historians' Society. Held at Christ Church, Quincy. Registration at 8:30 a.m., Opening Remarks at 9:30 a.m. Topics include researching slavery in the history of your parish.
Safety for Kids Event
This comes to us from Michelle Hache-- at the American Legion, Waverly Oaks Rd on March 29, 10-2. With police dog demo, karate demo and assorted booths. The Masons offer a child ID kit which include dental imprints, DNA, fingerprint, and a video--the parents keep the kit, but have the information in case it's needed. Michelle has found in the past that showing up a bit later means that the lines aren't quite so long, so you can still come
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