HOLY WEEK
Holy Week is a sacred time when we walk with Christ through his final days, from the triumph of Palm Sunday to the sorrow of Good Friday, culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday
Holy Week is a profound and moving journey through the heart of our faith, marking the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry. It begins on Palm Sunday, when we remember Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, waving palm branches as a sign of welcome and praise.
This service invites us to reflect on both the joy of that moment and the path that lies ahead.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As he rode on a donkey, crowds gathered, laying down palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). This moment of celebration contrasts with the events that follow, reminding us of the journey towards the cross. During our Palm Sunday services, we will reflect on this powerful moment, often beginning with the distribution of palm crosses as a symbol of both joy and sacrifice. It is a time to prepare our hearts for the solemn days ahead, as we step into the story of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
Palm Sunday Services
9.45am - Holy Communion at St Mary’s
11.15am - Holy Communion at St Paul’s
On Maundy Thursday, we gather for a Tenebrae service, a powerful and contemplative service of light and shadow, where we recall the Last Supper and Jesus' betrayal through scripture, music, and the gradual extinguishing of candles.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a solemn and reflective day in Holy Week, marking the night of the Last Supper when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and gave the commandment to love one another. It is also the night of his betrayal in Gethsemane, leading to his arrest and trial. This year, we will observe Maundy Thursday with a Tenebrae service, a deeply moving service of light and shadow. Through scripture readings, music, and the gradual extinguishing of candles, we journey through the growing darkness of Jesus’ final hours. The service ends in silence, symbolising the weight of the night when Christ was taken from his disciples.
Maundy Thursday Service
7pm - Tenebrae at St Mary’s
Good Friday brings us together for the Walk of Witness, a visible act of faith as we walk through Wargrave, pausing for prayers and reflections on Christ’s journey to the cross. Later, we hold An Hour at the Cross, a solemn service offering space for quiet reflection on Jesus' sacrifice, with readings, silence, and prayer. Through these sacred moments, we prepare our hearts to fully embrace the joy of Easter Sunday.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a day of deep reflection and sorrow as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and the immense sacrifice he made for us. One of the most poignant ways we mark this day is through our Walk of Witness in and around Wargrave. As we walk together through the village, we pause at key points for prayers and reflections, retracing the journey of Jesus to the cross. This public act of faith is a solemn yet powerful reminder of Christ’s suffering and love for the world. Later in the day, we gather for An Hour at the Cross, a service of scripture, silence, and prayer, offering space to reflect on the events of Good Friday and their meaning in our lives. Through these acts of worship, we are invited to stand at the foot of the cross, to remember, and to prepare our hearts for the hope and joy of Easter.
Good Friday Services
10am - Walk of Witness in Wargrave
2pm - An Hour at the Cross at St Mary’s
Walk of Witness Route - Start 10am
Join us for the Walk of Witness this Good Friday, a moving journey through Wargrave as we reflect on Christ’s path to the cross. At each stop, we will pause for a reading, prayer, and music, uniting in faith and remembrance. Everyone is welcome - bring pushchairs, prams, wheelchairs, and even well-behaved dogs or cats on leads. Parishioners, if you have visitors this Easter, invite them to join us. You’re welcome to walk as much or as little of the route as you wish. Let us walk together in faith and reflection.
10am - Depart from the top of Victoria Road/Highfield Park
10.15am - Junction of Fidler’s Walk and Purfield Drive where
(Bill Bookless is organising an Easter display)
10.30am - Elizabeth Court
10.50am - St Mary’s Church
11.05am - St Mary’s Church Centre for Hot Cross Buns and refreshments
*Times are approximate
Our Holy Week & Easter Services
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a day of joy and celebration as we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the heart of our faith - a promise of new life, hope, and God’s unending love.
This year, St Mary’s is joined by some exceptional musicians as we rejoice in the risen Christ with a special family All Age Holy Communion service filled with uplifting music, joyful worship, and the hope of new life.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Discover more about Easter Sunday.