Grace Cathedral

Dear Grace Cathedral Friends,

From the earliest days of the church, pilgrims walked with Jesus’ in his last days in Jerusalem — from his entrance into the city on donkey, greeted by palms and shouts of glad Hosannahs, to his betrayal, the Last Supper, trial, Crucifixion, death and burial. And when their vigil at the tomb revealed that death itself was defeated, they celebrated in the thin hours between dusk and dawn, kindling the light of the New Creation within and around them.

We, too, are pilgrims, entering this most Holy Week, plunging deeply into the Paschal Mystery. This mystery asks us to grapple with how the whole Jesus story, including betrayal and death, is salvific. We know with confidence that Easter morning is bright, joyful, and healing; we don’t often ask ourselves what good issues from — rather than after — Good Friday. On Good Friday we mourn, but it is not a funeral for Jesus. We enter into Jesus’ suffering in a way that does not glorify suffering itself, but uncovers in the depths of human sin the even greater depth and mystery of God’s love.

Our pilgrimage through Holy Week begins with The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, celebrated in its fullness at 11 am with the Rt. Rev. Austin Keith Rios, Bishop of California, presiding, and the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, preaching. Learn more about Bishop Budde’s visit. We will also celebrate a simple Eucharist with the Blessing of the Palms at 8:30 am, and pray the Stations of the Cross at 6 pm.

The principal service of Holy Week is the Sacred Triduum, a single liturgical event unfolding in three days. The liturgy of Maundy Thursday centers the Last Supper and foot washing, embodying Jesus’ command that we love one another. From this ritual act of tenderness, the church dims, the altar is stripped, and we are invited to remain in vigil before the Sacrament at the Altar of Repose.

On Good Friday, the cathedral is open for corporate and personal prayer, as well as for the Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) and clergy counsel. This sacramental rite can support us in experiencing God’s abundant grace and forgiveness, especially when a particular event, omission or breach in relationship weighs upon the conscience.

In the 3 pm Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, we hear the Passion according to St. John, chanted in haunting tones. We offer prayers for the world for which Christ offered his life and venerate the cross on which is hung our salvation. We remember the church in Jerusalem, and all are invited to give generously to our church’s ministry there. We are sustained by the Bread of the preceding night’s Eucharist (pre-Sanctified gifts) and depart in silence.

The Great Vigil of Easter, the church’s liturgy par excellence, begins in darkness as we light the New Fire, and recall how God has called light and life into being, and sustained humankind throughout history. Then, we move to the Font, accompanying the 25 cathedral congregants who will be baptized, confirmed, or received into this communion. We rejoice abundantly with them, their teachers and sponsors. Refreshed by water, we can finally sing our hymn of joy again and celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter.

May God give us all grace to walk the Way of the Cross and find it to be none another than the way of life and peace.

Love,

Anna