Easter
last updated on: 2nd Apr 2012
Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week leading to Easter Day is celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the most important events in Christianity: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter Day. Churches throughout the diocese will be processing through their parishes, commemorating Jesus triumphal arrival in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Passover. They will tell the story of Jesus’ last few day in Jerusalem, ending with his death on cross.
Palm Sunday in the Bible: Matthew 21
On Maundy Thursday we remember the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, and his betrayal by Judas. During the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples.
In the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday at 11am the Bishop gathers with his clergy, and lay people who come to support them, to renew their commitment to ministry together. You are very welcome to join them.
There is also a Eucharist of the Last Supper with Washing of the Feet beginning at 7.30pm
Good Friday is the day Christians observe as the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ. Many churches will have a simple service to pray and remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
In the city centre of Leicester at 10am on Good Friday, thousands of Christians will gather to take part in a dramatic retelling of Jesus journey to the cross, ending with an act of worship in Humberstone Gate. More information can be found here.
There are also services at midday and 7.30pm.
Easter Day is the day when Christians celebrate Jesus’ return to life from death in his resurrection. This is the central day of the Christian faith, and Christians everywhere will have special services of celebration and thanksgiving.
In Leicester Cathedral at 6am, Christians will gather to tell the Easter story, to light the new fire of Easter (symbolizing the new life offered to us through Jesus’ resurrection). Over 30 people will be confirmed at this service, committing themselves to follow Jesus in their lives.
The Bishop will also preside and preach at the 10.30am Cathedral Eucharist, followed by a childrens Easter Egg Hunt.
Please do come along to join in the celebrations.
Important dates and events at Leicester Cathedral in the lead up to Easter Sunday:
Maundy Thursday 5 April
11.00 Chrism Eucharist with the Renewal of Ordination Vows, the Celebration of Ministries and blessing of the Holy Oils. Preacher: The Bishop of Leicester
Today we bless the chrism oil that will be used this year at Baptisms and Confirmations, and for the blessing of the sick and the dying and at other special times.
19.30 The Eucharist of the Last Supper with Washing of the Feet concluding with a silent vigil until 10pm. Preacher: Canon Johannes Arens
Maundy Thursday is the night of the final meal that Jesus had with his disciples - the night in which he washed his disciples' feet.
Good Friday 6 April
10.30 - 12.30 Christ in the Centre starting from Humberstone Gate. The extraordinary re-enactment of the story that led to the death of Jesus. All welcome.
Christ in the Centre is firmly established as one of the biggest and most effective pieces of Christian outreach staged in the country. The key to its success is that it brings the true meaning of Easter alive for an audience of approaching 10,000 people gathered in Leicester city centre in a dramatic and compelling way.
12.00-15.00 The People's Passion - a journey with St Mark; prayers, hymns, music addresses and silence in six half hour sections. Preacher Canon David Monteith
Holy Saturday 7 April
10.30 Building an Easter Garden. Children of all ages welcome to help build a colourful Easter garden in the cathedral precincts.
An Easter garden has three essential features: a mound with at least one cross to represent Calvary; a stone or stone structure to suggest the empty tomb; and lots of live greenery and flowers.
Easter Sunday 8 April
06.00 Easter Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation
The first celebration of Easter beginning at sunrise when an Easter fire is kindled by the Bishop of Leicester and the Paschal candle is blessed and then lit. This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, and throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that Christ is "light and life." As the candle proceeds through the church, all present receive candles which are lit from the Paschal candle. As this symbolic "Light of Christ" spreads throughout those gathered, the darkness is decreased. Traditionally Easter was the time used in the early church for baptism. The bishop will baptise 8 candidates and confirm 13 candidates.
10.30 Easter Eucharist with news of the gift of new life. The Graff Orchestra of England will accompany the full cathedral choir in Mozart’s Sparrow Mass and the Hallelujah Chorus will be sung. Preacher The Bishop of Leicester. Followed by an Easter Egg hunt for the children.
The Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion and the congregation join in traditional Easter hymns accompanied by The Graff Orchestra of England.
