Master Guide to Holy Week 2026: A Journey of Reverence and Joy in Alpine, Texas
As we approach the most sacred week of the Christian year, we wanted to put together a little "roadmap" for our community. Holy Week isn't just a series of dates on a calendar or a list of church services to check off. It’s a journey: a pilgrimage that takes us from the high-energy cheers of Palm Sunday to the somber shadows of the Cross, and finally into the blinding light of the Resurrection.
At Holy Cross Anglican Church, we identify as "Reformed Catholic." If you’re new to that term, it basically means we love the ancient, beautiful rhythms of the historic Church (the "Catholic" part) while holding firmly to the life-giving truths of the Gospel renewed during the Reformation (the "Reformed" part).
In this guide, you’ll find our full schedule for 2026, some theological "why" behind what we do, and some beautiful poetry from John Keble and George Herbert to help your heart stay focused on Jesus this week.
Table of Contents
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is the final week of Lent. Over the last forty days, we’ve been preparing our hearts through fasting, prayer, and self-examination. If you’ve been following our recent homilies, like the Homily for the Third Sunday in Lent 2026, you know we’ve been talking about the necessity of turning back to God.
In Holy Week, the focus shifts. We walk with Christ through His final days in Jerusalem. We don't just read about these events; through our liturgy and the Book of Common Prayer, we participate in them.
The Full Schedule for Holy Week
We invite everyone in the Alpine community to join us. Whether you’ve been an Anglican your whole life or you’re just curious about what goes on under the "Holy Cross" sign, there is a place for you here.
Palm Sunday (March 29): 9:30 AM - Sunday School; 10:30 AM – Blessing of Palms/Holy Communion
Holy Monday (March 30): 8:30 AM - Women's Study; 12 PM - Holy Communion;
Spy Wednesday (April 1): 12 PM - Holy Communion; | 6:00 PM – Evening Prayer | 6:30 PM – Bible Study
Maundy Thursday (April 2): 6:00 PM – Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday (April 3): 12:00 PM and 5pm – Stations of the Cross
Easter Sunday (April 5): 10:30 AM – Festive Holy Communion/with Baptisms | 11:30 AM – Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
Palm Sunday: The Humble King (March 29, 10:30 AM)
We begin our journey this Sunday at 10:30 AM. We start with a joyful procession, waving palm branches and singing "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." It’s a bit of a "mountaintop" moment, but it’s quickly followed by the reading of the Passion narrative, reminding us that the same crowds who cheered "Hosanna" would soon be shouting "Crucify Him."
John Keble, in his classic work The Christian Year, captures the tension of this day beautifully:
> "Ye whose hearts are beating high
> With the pulse of Poesy,
> Heir of high thoughts, and let of gold,
> *Stand ye near the’ echoing fold: *
> ...Think sightless crowds, then let thy soul
> To the still voice of God unroll."
As we wave those palms, we’re asking ourselves: Is Jesus truly the King of my heart, or am I just following the crowd? For more on the lead-up to this day, check out our Homily for the First Sunday in Lent.
The Daily Rhythm: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Holy Week
During Holy Week, we read of Our Saviour's love for us through the varied Passion narratives appointed in the Book of Common Prayer. We will also hear the ancient voices of the Church Fathers in their homilies for those holy days. The services are roughly 30 minutes long and fit perfectly in a lunch hour.
The Triduum: The Three Great Days
The word "Triduum" comes from the Latin for "three days." These are the most intense days of the Christian year.
Maundy Thursday
The word "Maundy" comes from Mandatum, meaning "commandment." On this night, we remember Jesus’ command to "Love one another as I have loved you." We commemorate the Last Supper: the first time Jesus gave us the bread and the wine.
The service ends in total silence as we strip the altar of all its beautiful hangings, symbolizing Jesus being stripped of His garments and abandoned by His friends. George Herbert’s famous poem, "Love (III)," perfectly reflects the intimacy of this night:
> "Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
> Guilty of dust and sin.
> But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
> From my first entrance in,
> Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
> If I lacked anything."
Good Friday
On Good Friday, the church is bare. The lights are low. We face the reality of the Cross. It’s a "good" Friday because on this day, the debt of our sin was paid in full. We don't rush past the sadness; we sit in it, knowing that Easter is coming.
John Keble invites us to stay at the foot of the Cross:
> "Is it not strange, the darkest hour
> That ever dawn’d on sinful earth
> Should touch the heart with softer power
> For comfort, than an angel’s mirth?"
If you missed our Homily for Ash Wednesday 2026, it’s worth a read to understand why we place such emphasis on the gravity of the Cross.
Easter Sunday: The Day of Victory (April 5, 10:30 AM)
He is risen! The flowers return, the bells ring, and the Alleluias: which have been "buried" during Lent: return to our lips. This is the cornerstone of our faith. If Jesus isn't alive, our worship is in vain. But He is alive!
George Herbert’s poem "Easter" sums up the joy:
> "I got me flowers to straw Thy way;
> I got me boughs off many a tree:
> But Thou wast up by break of day,
> And brought’st Thy sweets along with Thee."
Following our 10:30 AM service, we’ll have a parish brunch. It’s a great time to meet people, let the kids run around, and celebrate the victory of life over death. Check out our Worship Page for more details on our Sunday rhythms.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re coming to Holy Cross for the first time during Holy Week, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Casual Atmosphere: We’re in Alpine! While our service is formal and reverent, our attire is West Texas casual. Come in your Sunday best or your favorite boots: you’ll fit in just fine.
Kid-Friendly: We love having children in the service. Their "joyful noise" is part of the life of the church.
Participatory: We use the Book of Common Prayer. We’ll give you a bulletin that guides you through when to stand, sit, or kneel.
Community: We aren't just a building; we’re a family. You’ll be greeted with a smile and likely an invitation to coffee.
As we enter this Holy Week, we pray that you find a moment of peace and a profound encounter with the living God. Our world is loud and often chaotic, but the story of Holy Week reminds us that God is working out His purposes, even in the darkest hours.
We hope to see you at the foot of the Cross and at the empty tomb.
Amen.
