St. John’s Episcopal Church Holy Week & Easter Worship

 in Westwood has announced its Holy Week and Easter worship schedule to celebrate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. The public is invited to attend any worship service or church program throughout the year, and especially for this important season.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 31, there will be a child centered Palm Saturday program featuring Easter egg dyeing, bread baking and a guided Prayer Walk. Palm Sunday services will be held at 8 a.m and 10 a.m. on April 1. Worship will begin with the Blessing of the Palms, followed by a procession through the sanctuary. Children will learn how to make palm crosses and can participate in decorating the Pascal candle.

On April 5, there will be a Maunday Thursday service at 7:30 p.m. featuring a recollection of the Last Supper, foot washing and the stripping of the altar. A Good Friday service of vespers will be held at 7:30 PM on April 6.

On Saturday, April 7, a celebration of Easter begins with the ancient Great Vigil of Easter at 6:30 p.m. The Vigil begins in darkness with the lighting of the Easter fire and hand-held candles, a quiet time for hearing stories of our ancestors in faith. A candlelight procession leads to the font for the renewal of baptismal vows. All join in the Easter Acclamation, the church fills with light and bells are rung. There is a celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter, followed by a festive meal.

On April 8, Easter services will be held at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Easter worship will include a Festival Eucharist with brass. An Easter egg hunt will follow the 10 a.m. service.

St. John’s is a progressive church that draws on traditional and contemporary insights, and seeks to discover God in people of every age and background. All are welcome at the table.

The Church is located at 95 Deerfield St. off Gay Street in Westwood. For more information about Holy Week and Easter services and programs, please go to www.stjohnswestwood.org or call 781-329-2442. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to noon.