APRIL, 2009

April 12   Easter Day

Services  8:30am and 10:45am

The Holy Eucharist celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord is a most joyous celebration.  Easter Lilies given by parishioners will decorate the church and there will be beautiful music by choir and musicians.  Children bring flowers to place on the cross and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt after church.

Holy Week at St. Francis

April 8         Wednesday Schedule

6:00 pm           Holy Eucharist with Healing

6:30pm            Wednesday Meal

7:20pm            Last Forgiveness Class

April 9         Maundy Thursday

6:30 pm

On this night, we relive our Lord’s last supper with the disciples in the upper room.  We hear his commandment to love one another.  We are invited to participate in washing one another’s feet.  After removing all adornment from the altar and reserving bread and wine for Friday’s service, we hear his plea to pray with him and begin a 24 hour prayer watch.

April 10       Good Friday

12:00 noon       Stations of the Cross 

We walk with our Lord through prayer and scripture on the way to his death on the cross.

6:30 pm           Good Friday Liturgy

There is no celebration of the Eucharist on this most solemn of days.  We receive the body and blood of Christ from the sacrament reserved on Thursday. 

April 11        The Great Vigil of Easter

7:30 pm

Beginning at sundown, we light a new fire symbolizing the light of Christ entering the darkness of this world, and we carry that light into the church.  We hear the record of God’s saving acts in history and baptize new members into Christ’s Body the Church.  The celebration continues with the first Eucharist of Easter.

April 5         Palm Sunday

8:30 am and 10:45 am

Palm Sunday begins with the Liturgy of the Palms outdoors and a procession into the church.  It continues through the lessons and the reading of the Passion Gospel by parishioners taking the various roles.