In the Anglican community, Ash Wednesday is the starting point of worship for the season of Lent. Customarily, the day is marked by the ceremony of the anointing with ashes, a prerequisite for the commitments we endeavour to uphold leading up to the celebration of Easter. As St. Paul said, “Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties” (1 Timothy 4:15).
However, this year, all parishes in our community—and indeed most of Eastern Newfoundland—suffered an interruption to this special worship. Due to a severe winter snowstorm on February 18th, the ceremony had to be rescheduled. A similar weather event on Sunday, February 22nd, necessitated a second cancellation. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, Canon Jotie was able to livestream the sermon from his home.
During the forty days of Lent, Canon Jotie delivered an appropriate lesson each Wednesday and Sunday leading up to Easter Day on April 5th. Each delivery was focussed on the Light of the World, while at the same time recognizing the brokenness and God’s grace and mercy in prayerful healing and restoration.
On Tuesday, March 31st, our ACW ladies assembled and held a 7:00 pm service, which was arranged by president Betty Hiscock in compliance with our regular Lenten celebrations.
The Good Friday service on April 3rd, was focused on the Stations of the Cross. The line of parishioners, led by Canon Jodie, marched, then stopped to acknowledge each station, and read an applicable scriptural passage for each one. It was a special time for those who witnessed and participated in this rich tradition.
With snow in the air and flurries on the ground, we gathered at 7:00 am on Easter Sunday to welcome the morning with the Service of Light, New Fire, and Holy Eucharist, followed by the traditional Easter breakfast downstairs.
Then at 10:30 am, all the parishioners who were present, engaged in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Holy Eucharist.
It was a rewarding finale to the forty days of Lent, and the birth of another Easter Day.
Then God said, Let there be Light.
And there was Light.
– Genesis 1:3
