The start of Holy Week is here, and Methodist University is ready to provide a variety of opportunities to students, faculty, and staff.
The start of Holy Week is here, and Methodist University is ready to provide a variety of opportunities to students, faculty, and staff.
During Holy Week, Christians recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Since many of the traditional Holy Week holidays – like Palm Sunday and Good Friday – take place while most campus offices are closed, the University is hosting multiple events throughout the week to help the MU community observe the holidays.
“Christians find particular meaning in Holy Week as a time of great devotion, but I think everyone, from all faith traditions or none at all, can find value in Holy Week as a sacred journey of self-reflection and renewal,” said Rev. Kelli Taylor, vice president for Mission Integration & Student Well-Being and University chaplain. “It’s a time when we, as a diverse community of learners, can embrace the spirit of introspection, mindfulness, and compassion.”
For junior Grace Myrick, Methodist University’s Holy Week events allow her and other students to find time to worship.
“As a busy college student, it is incredibly difficult for me to get away from campus to enjoy Holy Week events at my home church,” said Myrick, a Music Education major. “MU has been my go-to place to celebrate Holy Week with close friends, and I cannot wait to celebrate again this year.”
While this year’s events will continue several traditions such as the “Tracing the Labyrinth” experience, “Nails of Repentance” confession, and “Palm Wednesday” service during CIRCUIT, the “Stations of the Cross” event on Friday will have an extra element.
“At each of the 14 stations, participants will not only remember Jesus’ suffering on the cross, but they will be invited to reflect on a dimension of their well-being: financial, academic, intellectual, sexual, mental, emotional, social, physical, cultural, and spiritual, with the option to connect with campus resources.”
Below is a brief summary of the Holy Week schedule, however, the best place to stay up to date on the latest information is MU’s Events Calendar. For a list of off-campus events from Methodist University partner churches during the week, visit our Partner Churches page.
MU’s Holy Week Schedule
“Trace the Labyrinth” Experience
Monday, March 25, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Matthews Chapel
Recognizing that Holy Week is a journey of devotion and introspection, students will be able to use their finger to trace the path of a labyrinth – helping them become more relaxed.
Confession: “Nails of Repentance”
Tuesday, March 26, Dawn until Dusk, Outside Hensdale Chapel in The Quad
Students will be able to hammer a nail into a wooden cross as a way of recalling the personal nature of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Because of weather forecasts, the donkey (usually at CIRCUIT) will appear today from noon until 1:30 p.m.
CIRCUIT “A Service of Palms”
Wednesday, March 27, 11 a.m., Outside Hensdale Chapel
Often celebrated on “Palm Sunday,” this service includes a reading of the Passion. Students will also find a palm branches for the special observance.
Footwashing Stations
Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Outside Hensdale Chapel
This foot washing experience takes place on Holy Thursday, a day when Christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus.
Good Friday “Stations of the Cross”
Friday, March 29, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Matthews Chapel (available all week)
Recalling the death of Jesus and its promise of hope and new life, “Stations of the Cross” is a devotion that recalls the journey of Jesus in Jerusalem to Calvary, where he was crucified.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, March 31
This is the day Christians commemorate the resurrection of Christ. This year, the MU community is invited to join one of our partner churches for Easter worship.
Whether celebrating Easter, Passover, or Ramadan, Methodist University fosters a community of inclusion that welcomes people of all religions. The University’s Religious Life & Community Service team offers various services and spaces for students throughout the year.