On this day of Jesus’ crucifixion, a minister holding a simple cross leads a silent procession toward the bare altar as the congregation kneels in silent prayer. We stand symbolically with Jesus’ family watching as he was led to the cross, reflecting on the story of Jesus’ arrest, suffering and death on a cross. 

The choir and guest musicians illuminate this story through the music and words of Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor” throughout the service as we reflect on the heaviness of this day. “You who absolved Mary Magdalene and called out to the thief — you have given hope to me as well,” the choir sings.  

This is the only day during Holy Week in which Holy Eucharist is not celebrated. Instead, we leave the church after praying “to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death” and the choir sings a prayer for “lux aeterna” — eternal light.