Dear Friends in Christ,

Spring has sprung and Easter is almost here, but we are still in Lent, so don’t rush it. I hope you are enjoying a prayerful, thoughtful, Lent. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (April 13th) as we read the Passion narrative and remember our Lord’s death as we await His resurrection. Starting on Thursday, April 17th, we enter what is called the Triduum, three very holy days. First is Maundy Thursday, where we remember Jesus’ humbling of Himself at the Last Supper by washing each other’s feet as He did. Next comes Good Friday, when we ponder Jesus’ suffering and death. We will be following the liturgy as found in the prayer book with a passion reading and the veneration of the cross. The Triduum concludes with the Easter Vigil where we will bless the holy fire and hear the story of our salvation by candlelight as we await Jesus’ Resurrection. Interestingly, after the Thursday service, there is no dismissal, and there is also no dismissal after the Friday service. This means that the Triduum is one long service that stretches over 3 days. Isn’t that neat?

Remember that once Easter begins, it is a 50-day long season in the church and lasts until Pentecost. During this time we celebrate the Resurrection, which is rebirth, renewal, and change for the good. This celebration is ongoing and our mission as followers of Jesus never ends. We love God, and love our neighbors as ourselves with joy in our hearts. Live out that Resurrection joy not just in the Easter season, but every season.

Each year at St. Stephen’s, as we celebrate Easter, we decorate our church with beautiful lilies and worship with joyous music. Please consider making a special donation in support of these traditions, in remembrance, as a family memorial or in thanksgiving. Your gift will be graciously appreciated and a listing of memorials and donors will appear in the Easter bulletin.

Yours in Christ,

Mo. Lauren

The Rev. Lauren T. McLeavey
Rector

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