Palm Sunday, April 9 at 9 am we begin HOLY WEEK the prelude to the Three Easter Days, celebrating the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord. We gather at the Monastery at 9 am in the back of the Chapel. The palms are blest and the first Scripture reading takes us into the Gospel of Matthew and the triumphal ride of Jesus on the back of a donkey into Jerusalem, all the way acclaimed by the people. In remembrance of this event we process to the front of the Chapel waving our palms. The Readings of the Day prepare us for the narrative of the Passion according to Matthew solemnly proclaimed by four of the Sisters.
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On April 13 at 6:30 pm we arrive at the Monastery for the Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper. Following the proclamation of the Gospel we rise by ones and twos to move toward the back of the Chapel where the scene is set for the Washing of the Feet. All are invited to participate in this ritual. The Sacrament is taken to the Oratory where there is opportunity for Adoration until Midnight.
Good Friday, April 14 at 3:30, we begin in deep silence preparing for the Service of the Lord’s Passion, commemorating His ultimate gift of love . The presider and the assistants enter and prostrate on the Chapel floor remaining in prayer. The Passion according to John is solemnly proclaimed. We pray the Great Intercessions for all God’s People throughout the world. Adoration of the Cross follows with the opportunity for each person to express her love and commitment to Christ.
The Solemn Vigil Service of Readings and responses begins on Saturday evening on April 15 at 7:30 pm in the Hospitality Area. The presider lights and blesses the new fire from which he lights the Pascal Candle and sings the Exultet. Each reader rises to recount the story of salvation history from the Book of Genesis to the Prophet Ezekiel, all responding with the appropriate psalms. We end our service quietly in personal prayer in anticipation of the Easter celebration.