The Parish of Christchurch. Christchurch Priory, St George at Jumpers, St John at Purewell

Holy Week and Easter 2026

Last updated Monday, 16 March, 2026

	Sunday 29th March On Palm Sunday we begin the journey through Holy Week when Christians remember in a special way the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. Palm Sunday reminds us of the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheers of crowds of people. The people waved palm leaves to welcome him. They shouted “Hosanna!” a word that is used to express joy and praise. On Palm Sunday we each receive a palm cross. Services are 8am,10am and 6.30pm in the Priory and 9.30am in St George's.
	Monday 30th March at 7.30pm The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually, those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion
	Tuesday 31st March at 7.30pm You are warmly invited to join us for a reflective service of readings, prayer, silence and music inspired by the worship of the Taizé Community in France.
	Wednesday 1st April at 7.30pm The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It has its origins in the monastic office for the end of the day, giving thanks to God for the day past and in entrusting ourselves to His protection during the night ahead. Most of the service is sung by a choir. The congregation is encouraged to participate by listening to the choir, by joining in the parts in bold, and by keeping silence before and after the service. Through this reflective meditation, we allow God to speak to us in the stresses of life, and we offer our cares and concerns into the unfailing mercy of God.
	Maundy Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm Sung Eucharist of the Last Supper
	Good Friday 3rd April at 12 noon Three hours Devotion - Service Midday to 1pm Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday 1.45pm to 3pm
	Easter Sunday 5th April Easter Day Sung Eucharist, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. With Christians across the world, we join today in worshipping Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection mean that “our resurrection has started, and our citizenship in heaven has begun.” (Rowan Williams, ‘Choose Life’; Bloomsbury 2013). May the light, joy and peace of the risen Christ be with you all this Easter. Services at 6am, 10am and 6.30pm at Christchurch Priory and 9.30am at St George's