The days are getting longer and brighter (and warmer), the flowers and trees are blossoming (and the allergies), the birds are singing and the bees are humming—it's Springtime! The spiritual journey of Lent began on March 6th and the days literally began to lengthen. The spring equinox or vernal equinox, occurred on March 20th. On the vernal equinox, day and night are each approximately 12 hours long. This week in the Christian church we will experience holy week, the week before Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. There are many opportunities for prayer, reflection, and praise through the end of the month.
On Thursday, April 18th, we will eat and worship together for Maundy Thursday. At 11:00AM in the Life Center matzo ball soup will be served and afterwards we will have a communion service as we remember the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples where they shared together in a Passover meal. The word Maundy means “commandment” and as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples he said, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) Reservations are not required to attend the Maundy Thursday lunch and worship, but in order for us to have a more accurate count please call x18465 if you plan on attending.
For Good Friday on April 19th, the Life Center will be open from 9:00AM to 3:00PM with the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross depict 14 significant moments of Jesus' last day on Earth as a man. From the trial before Pontius Pilate to Jesus' body being laid in the tomb you can prayerfully follow the last day of Jesus using artwork by Br. Martin Erspamer OSB. This is a very solemn and faithfully moving experience for many people and as always, all are welcome. Easter Sunday services, April 21st begin early on the Central Park Mall with a 7:00AM Sunrise Service followed by a continental breakfast on the bistro Patio. Roman Catholic Mass will take place at 9:30AM in the Life Center.
Spiritual life opportunities continue to abound as residents gather on Monday, April 15th at 11:15AM for the Jewish Service in Plaza View Lounge. We hope you will also join us for our annual Passover Seder celebration and meal on Thursday, April 25th at 4:00PM. The Seder is a feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling the story of the miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions. This special celebration is open to all! tickets are available in the Plaza Bistro and are required. The month of April concludes with special activities around earth day with the Protect March on Friday, April 26th. Worship on Sunday, April 28th at 3:00PM in the Life Center will highlight the Beatitudes Campus Choir singing and Chaplain Andrew preaching! Happy Spring!
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