THE EASTER SEASON

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THE EASTER SEASON
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LENT

A period of solemn preparation for the most
important of Christian feasts.

EASTER.

The day on which Jesus Christ ROSE from the dead.

40 days in length (not counting Sundays!)

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ASH WEDNESDAY

• FIRST day of Lent.
• Signing with ashes.
• Previous years palms.
• Sign of sorrow for sin.
• Remember man that you are dust and unto dust you
  will return.

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HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN PREPARE ?

• PRAYER
• Extra time set aside for reading scripture
• Special prayers
• Special acts of penance to show love and
  gratitude for the suffering of Christ

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• FASTING
• May mean giving-up some food.
• May mean giving-up something we enjoy.
• Can mean doing something extra, e.g., Helping out
  at home or perhaps helping an aged relative.

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• GOOD WORKS
• Helping various charities.
• A more positive and creative way to prepare for
  Easter.

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HOLY WEEK

• PALM SUNDAY
• Triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
• MAUNDY THURSDAY
• Washing of feet, Last Supper / first Mass
  

• GOOD FRIDAY
• Crucifixion of Christ on Calvary.
• HOLY SATURDAY
• When we remember the Passion and Death of Jesus.

EASTER SUNDAY
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PALM SUNDAY

• Special masses.
• Palms distributed before mass.
• Blessed during mass.
• Reminds us Christs entry to Jerusalem and the
  reaction of the crowd.

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MAUNDY THURSDAY

• Special mass when Eucharistic ministers renew
  promises.
• Priests remember their solemn promises made at
  Ordination.
• At a special mass, Bishop will bless the Holy
  Oils that will be used in the sacraments
  throughout the year.

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GOOD FRIDAY

• Churches stripped of decoration.
• Crosses / statues covered.
• Often ecumenical services.
• Stations of the Cross.
• Veneration of Cross.

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HOLY SATURDAY

• An aliturgical day.
• Churches cleaned in preparation for Easter
  service.
• Best altar linen and vessels.

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EASTER SUNDAY
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EASTER VIGIL

• Starts before midnight.
• 4 parts to Vigil.
• Service of light - new fire, candlelight
  procession.
• Special readings.
• Service of Baptism. (Traditional time for
  Baptism.)
• Easter Eucharist.

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DATING OF EASTER

• After 21st March.
• Sunday after first full moon.
• Between 21st March and 25th April.

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CUSTOMS

• Easter eggs - chocolate or painted
• Parades of Easter bonnets.
• Lamb symbolises Jesus the lamb of God
  (Remember the first Passover)

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REMEMBER!NO RESURRECTIONNO CHRISTIANITY