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Palm Sunday (29th March)
11 am St. Paul’s Gisborne Blessing of & Procession of Palms, followed by Solemn Sung Mass. Our Holy Week journey begins with the crowds singing “hosanna!” As Christ entered into the city of Jerusalem in triumph. At this mass we begin outside and bless palm leaves, then move in procession to the church, in the same way as Christ did through the city of Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday (2nd April) 7.30 pm St. Paul's Gisborne Mass of the Lord's Supper, Foot Washing, Procession of the Sacrament, Vigil of the Passion Then begins The Sacred Paschal Triduum (three great days) on Maundy Thursday. At this most solemn service light turns to dark as we, obedient to Christ’s example, wash feet & celebrate the last supper. After this, we move with our Lord (in the blessed sacrament) to the garden, where we, like his disciples abandon him. We leave our vigil in silence, as the church is removed of all adornment, all comfort, and even excess noise as the church falls silent… Good Friday (3rd April) 8.00 am Church of The Resurrection, Macedon Solemn Liturgy of the Day At this service, we hear the words of St. John’s passion & Venerate the Holy Cross, with the last thing we see as we leave the church being the crucified Christ as we leave in silence and darkness... 10.00 am St. Paul’s Gisborne Liturgy of the Passion and Mass of the Pre-Sanctified At This service, we gather to commemorate the passion in word as we hear the words of St. John’s Passion, Venerate the holy Cross & consume the blessed sacrament. The service ends with there being nothing left & even the sanctuary light extinguished, for Christ our Lord is crucified, & we are left in darkness & sorrow. Holy Saturday (4th April) 7.30 pm Church of the Resurrection Easter Vigil Ceremonies and Solemn Sung Mass Alleluia, Christ is risen! We gather in the darkness at Macedon, and, true to its name, the resurrection comes. First, the light of Christ is carried into the darkened church, then as we hear the story of our salvation, we sing together the great hymn of praise and triumph, the Gloria in Excelsis as light floods the church, and bells ring out, proclaiming the great news of Christ’s resurrection to the mountains around us and beyond. We then renew the vows of our baptism in the waters of new life, & celebrate the mass of the resurrection, followed by champagne & Easter eggs! |
Easter Sunday (5th April)
10.00 am St. Paul's Gisborne A Family Easter and Easter Egg hunt As the day of resurrection brightens before us, we gather at St. Paul's to hear the stories of Hope of the resurrection of Jesus, share in Holy Communion, and then as a family hunt for an easter treat in the form of Easter Eggs! |