Date: Friday, June 20, 2025

Location: 102 N. 9th Street, Haines, City, FL 33844

Time: 5:00 PM 

Come join us in songs of praise, prayers and testimonies!

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 13th and extends to Holy Saturday on April 19th. Culminating on Easter Sunday, which is on April 20th.

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Christian year for Episcopalians, marking the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. It is a time of deep reflection, devotion, and liturgical richness, guiding believers through the central mysteries of the faith.

The week begins with Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The congregation processes with palm branches, symbolizing both joy and the foreshadowing of His coming sacrifice. The service transitions from celebration to solemnity as the Passion Gospel is read, setting the tone for the week ahead.

Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) recalls Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples, the institution of the Eucharist, and His commandment to love one another. Many Episcopal churches include the washing of feet, following Jesus’ example of humility and service. The service ends with the stripping of the altar, representing the abandonment and suffering Christ would soon endure.

Good Friday is a solemn day of mourning and reflection on Jesus’ crucifixion. Episcopal churches hold services centered on the Passion narrative, prayers, and often the veneration of the cross. Some churches observe the Stations of the Cross or a three-hour service reflecting on Christ’s last words.

Holy Saturday is a quiet day of waiting. Some churches hold a brief service remembering Christ’s time in the tomb, while others prepare for the great celebration to come.

The pinnacle of Holy Week is the Easter Vigil, a dramatic and beautiful liturgy held on Saturday night. This service begins in darkness, symbolizing the tomb, and then light spreads as the Paschal candle is lit, proclaiming the resurrection. Readings recount salvation history, baptismal vows are renewed, and the first joyful “Alleluia” is sung after its absence throughout Lent.

Holy Week invites Episcopalians into the story of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, drawing them deeper into the mystery of God’s love and redemption. It is a time of spiritual renewal, preparing hearts for the joy of Easter and the hope of new life in Christ.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, along with our brothers and sisters of our Hispanic community we presented a moving, spiritual Christmas Pageant.  Making it even more special, it was written by our own Maria (Bibi) Navarro.  It was a pleasure to work alongside them to make Christmas so meaningful for our congregation.

To begin the new year, Canon Ifill has challenged us to develop a “Rule for Life” or improve or add to the one we have.  She has instructed us that this should include prayer, regular church attendance with Eucharist. We should take the values we develop out into the world, so that we are able to see the Christ in others and they are able to see the Christ in us.

This type of education enables us to know our faith and it’s traditions and empowers us with tools to live a more spiritual life.

Vestry meetings are opened in prayer and with a time of reflection.  The Rule of Life has been included in these reflections since Canon Ifill has introduced the topic in November.  We hope to continue these discussions at Vestry as well as with our church community.