The Parish of Christchurch. Christchurch Priory, St George at Jumpers, St John at Purewell

Holy Week & Easter 2025 draft

Last updated Monday, 20 January, 2025

	Sunday April 13th On Palm Sunday we begin the journey through Holy Week when Christians remember in a special way the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Palm Sunday reminds us of the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheers of crowds of people. The people waved palm leaves to welcome him. They shouted “Hosanna!” a word that is used to express joy and praise. On Palm Sunday we each receive a palm cross.Services are 8am,10am and 6.30pm in the Priory and 9.30am in St George's
	Monday April 14th at 7.30pm You are warmly invited to join us for a reflective service of readings, prayer, silence and music inspired by the worship of the Taizé Community in France.
	Tuesday April 15th at 7.30pm The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually, those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.
	Wednesday April 16th at 7.30pm The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It has its origins in the monastic office for the end of the day, giving thanks to God for the day past and in entrusting ourselves to His protection during the night ahead. Most of the service is sung by a choir. The congregation is encouraged to participate by listening to the choir, by joining in the parts in bold, and by keeping silence before and after the service. Through this reflective meditation, we allow God to speak to us in the stresses of life, and we offer our cares and concerns into the unfailing mercy of God.
	Good Friday Wednesday April 18th at noon