Vigil Watch
 
Sometimes, the question is asked, "Why would you come to the Chapel at 2:00 am?" Our Holy Week schedule will again include an Altar of Repose after the Maundy Thursday service.  It is also known as the Garden Watch or the Vigil Watch.
 
What is an Altar of Repose?
 
It is a place where the sacrament is reserved and where the prayerful come to keep vigil - to watch throughout the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  As the main altar is stripped on Maundy Thursday evening, the Deacon processes with the consecrated bread and wine to the Chapel.
 
What is the sacrament and why is it reserved?
 
The sacrament, as the word is used here, is the consecrated bread and wine - the body and blood of Christ. It is reserved, or reverently kept, in a place set apart for this purpose. As the outward and visible signs of the sacrament of Christ's presence, maintaining vigil in the presence of the Bread and Wine of Communion helps the prayerful to experience waiting and watching with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane the evening before his arrest and crucifixion. It is in keeping with the command "Wait here and keep watch."
 
The silent vigil is kept in one-hour increments beginning immediately after the Maundy Thursday service April 1, ending at 7:00 am on Good Friday morning.  Devotional materials will be available, along with appropriate prayers.  A sign-up sheet will be in the narthex for those who wish to participate.  If you have questions, please contact Deacon Steve or Lela Lowe.