Welcome!!
The Reverend Canon Richard D. Visconti, D. Min., Rector
The Reverend Farrell Graves, M. Div., PhD, Priest Associate
The Reverend Canon Paul Forsyth Wancura, M. Div., Rector Emeritus
HOLY WEEK AT CAROLINE . . .
As we enter the holiest time of the year for all Christians throughout the world, you are invited to join us here at Caroline Church for the special services listed below . . .
Passion/Palm Sunday, April 13th, 8:00 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am: Holy Eucharist and Blessing of The Palms Palm or Passion Sunday, celebrated this year on April 13th, begins with the outdoor blessing of the palms and a symbolic procession into the Church, lead by our children at half past nine o'clock. This service also includes a dramatic Gospel reading of our Lord's passion. Our liturgy recalls Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, but also demonstrates that our Lord's mission was to go to the cross.
Tenebrae Service Wednesday, April 16th 7:00 pm: The word "tenebrae" is Latin for "darkness" or "shadows," and this liturgy has been offered in monasteries and churches since ancient times. We will read from the Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet, and from the Psalms, and we will pray as the candle light diminishes, and as hope is restored. Come, bring a friend, and experience darkness and light in a new way as part of your Holy Week journey.
Maundy Thursday, April 17th, 7:00 pm: Choral Holy Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar, & Nightwatch. Maundy Thursday will begin with a representation of Our Lord's Institution of the Holy Eucharist. The service also recalls the law of love, in Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet. At the conclusion of the service after the sacred vessels are reserved at an altar of repose, the altar and chancel area are stripped of all furnishings to symbolize the complete emptying of Jesus, even to death on a cross. Most of us then depart in silence; some will remain to begin the Gethsemane Watch at the Altar of Repose. These hours of prayer and watch will last until ten o'clock Friday morning.
Good Friday, April 18th: 10:00 am Stations of the Cross; 12 noon Three Village Ecumenical Service; 5:00pm Children's Good Friday Service; 7:00 pm Good Friday Liturgy. On this day we remember Jesus' death on the Cross. For the Stations of the Cross, we will gather to pause for prayer, versicle and response, and the reading of Scripture as we ponder a series of depictions of events in the narrative of Christ's passion. The Good Friday liturgy in the evening includes John's passion account, the Solemn Collects, a sermon, Veneration of the Cross, and music. Good Friday is a day of fasting, abstinence, and penance.
Holy Saturday, April 19th: 8:00am Liturgy of the Word; 8:30 – 9:30 am Sacrament of Penance. There is no Eucharist this morning. A brief Liturgy of the Word will be offered focusing on the time Christ lay in His tomb before the Easter resurrection. The opportunity for you to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation is extended.
Easter Eve, Saturday April 19th: 7:00pm The Great Vigil of Easter. With the ancient Jewish custom of worshipping from sunset to sunset in mind, on this exciting day we celebrate the Feast of Christ's resurrection from the dead. This lengthy but beautiful liturgical experience is the central and most important rite of the entire Christian year. Since the third century, this rich service begins in darkness with the lighting of the new fire, from which the Paschal candle is lighted. The Easter Vigil continues with lessons, which trace the history of God's people in the Old Testament, the renewal of our Baptismal vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter. Exquisite flowers, 'Alleluias', bell ringing and glorious hymns mark Easter. Come and give God joyful praise as we enjoy fellowship and the hope of eternal life.
Easter Day! The Sunday of the Resurrection, April 20th: 6:30 am Sunrise Service (Setauket Beach); 8:00 am Choral Festal Holy Eucharist; 9:30 am Family Holy Eucharist; 11:15 am Choral Festal Holy Eucharist. The Celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord on Easter Sunday will take place with joyful music, glorious flowers and striking vestments. The Fifty Days of Easter feasting begins as we remember what Our Lord has accomplished for us!
