Holy Week and Easter | Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church

Palm Sunday | March 29

8:00, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM • Potluck Brunch | 9:00 AM

The annual celebration of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus at Passover. We begin by blessing the palms and shouting hosannah and end with the gathering gloom of the week ahead with the reading of the Passion during our services: 8:00 AM in the Christ Chapel, 10:15 AM in the church Nave, 1:00 PM for the Spanish service in the Nave, and 6:00 PM in the Chapel. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck brunch in Inglett Hall.

Holy Eucharist

Holy Monday

Christ Chapel, 6:00 PM

After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus visited the home of Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. In the Gospel of John, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly ointment.

Holy Tuesday

Women of the Stations of the Cross, 6:00 PM

In a conversation with some Greeks or Gentiles recorded in the Gospel of John, Jesus predicts his crucifixion. We mark this night by walking the way of the cross through the eyes of women by reading reflections from the book Women of the Passion. Ruth leads this service that concludes with communion in Christ Chapel.

Holy Wednesday

Holy Eucharist in Ventulett Gallery, 6:00 PM

This new contemplative experience in the Ventulett Gallery is a prayerful way of engaging with artwork. Rather than asking whether we like a piece of art, we listen for how it moves or challenges us, trusting that the Holy Spirit works through what we see and feel. We will gather with an exhibit by artist Vitoria Phillips for guided prayer using art as our sacred text — a Stations of the Cross meditation tonight and a Stations of the Resurrection meditation on the Wednesday after Easter, April 8, each with Holy Eucharist.

Maundy Thursday

Agape Family Dinner, 6:00 PM

Agape Family Dinner | April 2nd | 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Celebrate Holy Week with us at our Agape Family Dinner on April 2nd at 6:00 PM. This special evening invites all ages to gather around the table for food, fellowship, and reflection as we remember the Last Supper. Whether you’re new or have been part of our community for years, all are welcome! Come and bring a friend. A catered Mediterranean dinner will be served ($10 per adult; children and youth eat free).

During our time together, we will share stories, scripture, and prayers to mark the institution of the Last Supper and reflect on Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Following dinner, our children will help lead us in a solemn and meaningful time of the stripping of the altar, guiding us into the sacred movement of Holy Week.

After the gathering, middle and high school students are invited to stay for an overnight lock-in, continuing in community and fun as we keep watch in the spirit of Maundy Thursday. In doing so, we remember Jesus asking his disciples to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Come and take your place at the table as we mark the final days in our journey toward Easter.

Vigil of the Blessed Sacrament

All night until April 3, 10:00 AM

The reserve sacrament is taken to a small altar set up in the Oratory, which is decorated as a garden. All are invited to come and watch with the Lord and spend time in prayer anytime through the night until the vigil ends with a brief service of Morning Prayer at 10:00 am in Christ Chapel.

Good Friday

Liturgy and Lovefeast in the Nave, 12:00 PM

We cannot celebrate Easter without first walking through the Passion of Christ. We will gather in the Nave for a service of word and music in the Moravian tradition known as a Lovefeast. Through scripture, choral music with a guest string quartet, and a simple sharing of sweet rolls and beverages, we will reflect prayerfully on the sacrifice and love of Christ in a spirit of reverence and contemplation.

Easter Vigil

Nave, 8:00 PM

Perhaps the most triumphant and joyful service of the year, this service marks the moment when Jesus was raised from the dead to bring new life to the world. The Vigil begins in the Memorial Garden in darkness with a kindling of the new Paschal/Easter fire and gradually moves into the Church nave. With choir, organ, chanting, incense, readings, and the first Eucharist of Easter, we celebrate the defeat of death and the promise of new life.

Easter Day | April 5

The Church celebrates Christ’s joyful resurrection as a community at our regularly scheduled services with singing, prayers, preaching, and praise. The Vicar will preach as we celebrate with organ, choir, brass, and timpani, and a beautifully decorated church. The 10:15 AM service will be live-streamed.