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St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church - Ansdell | |
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Origins:
The Israelite Passover probably originated in two primitive feasts, in much the same way that our Christian religious forefathers took over pagan customs and turned them into Christian feasts. One feast was a nomadic custom of asking God’s blessing on the early spring herd movements, celebrated when the lambs were old enough to move to new pasture. The second was harvest thanksgiving for the first wheat harvest. New dough and pitta bread would be made.
Links with the biblical story of eating unleavened bread during the hasty preparations to flee from Egyptian slavery and with the last plague in the book of Exodus (blood of lambs on door posts to protect the Israelites) would have been easily made. In temple times Jewish households would gather, after the slaughter of their lamb and its presentation in the temple, and feast for a week, reliving the memories of God’s deliverance.
Over the ages, customs change and adapt. The temple was destroyed in AD68, since when there has not been any sacrifice – in modern Passover a lamb shank-bone symbolises the sacrificial lamb. The Passover is celebrated from 15th – 22nd Nissan in the Hebrew calendar, about early April. It’s a family affair with invited guests. It’s a celebration with good food, good wine, good company, ritual, prayer and song.
Why a Christian celebration now?
Passover is deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage. It celebrates passing from slavery to freedom, that mirrors our own journey from darkness to light, from death to life. It is right to celebrate God’s love and care for his chosen people. But above all, Jesus our saviour chose the symbols of Passover to found his new covenant with us. He chose Passover to found the Eucharist. Celebrating Passover in a Christian context enables us to more fully appreciate our roots – indeed some of the prayers of Passover are instantly recognisable as those used in parts of every Mass. And it’s really enjoyable and builds our parish community.
Passover remebrance in St Joseph’s:
The parish held its first "Passover meal" in 1990. It’s always on the Saturday at the start of Holy Week and is attended by between 50 and 75 people. It’s in the evening so that the church hall is candle lit. Charges are kept to a minimum, but include a full meal and all the wine (there are 4 ritual toasts as well as wine with the meal). Drivers may like a walk home! The prayers and format we use are based on a real Jewish family Passover, although there are many versions in circulation. Families are encouraged to come and bring their friends in the true tradition of Passover as a family celebration. It’s relaxed and fun, yet devout at the same time. Jesus did a lot of his teaching through table-ministry. Come and see.
More details:
Plenty of warning is given in the church bulletin for each year’s celebration. Advanced booking and payment is essential because of the need to plan enough seating space and catering (which is all done by volunteers). Further information is available from Paul Kelly on 01253 735746
If you would like to see a copy of last year’s ceremony click here, or you can download it by clicking here.
There is a great deal of further information about Passover on the internet.
Christian
Seder is a good place to start, or try this
site at the BBC
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