Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
Almighty and everliving God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Above: Using the aspergillum, Fr Mead blesses the palms held by the people.
Please note: There is no coffee hour in the Parish House following. The Bookstore, however, will be open following the 11am Solemn Eucharist. 
‚ñ∫The Rector speaks of Holy Week in his Weekly Audio Message.
‚ñ∫John Scott discusses the music of Holy Week in his Weekly Music Notes.
‚ñ∫Download a printable 4-page brochure for Holy Week and Easter.
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Service notes: The liturgy begins with the acolytes, choir and clergy entering as the choir sings the Introit. The three sacred ministers stop at the Canterbury Stone, front and center within the chancel.
The Celebrant says “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord:”
The People shout, “Hosanna in the highest!”
The Celebrant then says the Opening Collect and the Deacon reads the Palm Sunday Gospel (Matthew 21:1-11), and then the palms are blessed by the Celebrant, using the aspergillum, as the choir sings the anthem.
A two-hymn Procession follows, with thurfier, acolytes, vexillaries, choir, clergy and Sunday School children all winding through the nave, up and down the aisles, until finally approaching the High Altar.
The Celebrant then chants the Salutation and the Collect of the Day, the Old Testament Lesson (Isaiah 50:4-9a) is read by the lector, the Psalm is sung by the choir, the Epistle (Philippians 2:5-11) is read by the Subdeacon, and once again the congregation sings a hymn. During the final verse, the three cantors are blessed by the Celebrant and move into position in the pulpit, the lectern and the Sanctuary gate.
The cantors sing the Passion according to Saint Matthew. At the first mention of the arrival at Golgatha, the congregation stands. At the mention of the death of Jesus, all kneel in silence, and then stand.
Following the Passion, the Rector greets the congregation and the Eucharist proceeds as usual. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion at the High Altar or at the Chantry rail.
After the Blessing and Dismissal, a hymn is sung in place, and then the acolytes, choir and clergy depart in silence, after which the congregation also departs in silence.
