Celebrate Easter with us

Lent is a time of preparation and reflection in the lead up to Easter: Jesus’ death on the cross on what is referred to as Good Friday, and then him coming back to life on what is called Easter Sunday.

Lent starts six-and-a-half weeks before Easter, on a day called Ash Wednesday. Some Christians recognise Lent through fasting, which means going without food for set periods of time. Others may choose to abstain or avoid certain foods or behaviours, for example not eating red meat, drinking coffee or watching television. The idea of fasting or abstaining is to use a physical behaviour to centre a person's thoughts on God – when someone might normally engage in that behaviour such as a meal, they instead devote that time to prayer and focusing on God.

Lent is a practice people may choose to engage in so that they can more deeply connect with the message of Easter, which is Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Easter is a very significant event on the Christian calendar, so, as a Christian church, The Salvation Army will host faith gatherings across the weekend. Each gathering will be different, as it responds to the needs of the community in which it is based.

On Good Friday – to reflect on the death of Jesus – some Salvos will host contemplative church services, decorate their halls with candles and crosses for quiet prayer services, host hot cross bun morning teas or march through the street with a cross.

On Easter Sunday – to celebrate Jesus coming back to life – churches will host upbeat, celebratory services, dawn services in outdoor settings or Easter egg hunts.

In some locations, there may be meals or other events on the Thursday before Good Friday – called Maundy Thursday (or Passover), events on Easter Saturday and Easter bonnet or hat parades across the week.

Use our search tool to discover what your local Salvos are doing to commemorate and celebrate Easter this year.

Find your local Salvos event

Absolutely! The Salvation Army welcomes people from all backgrounds to come and celebrate Easter with us. Whether you grew up in a religious or Christian environment or have never heard of Jesus, your local Salvos would love to see you at Easter – or any time.

If you’re looking for a place to connect with your community, our Salvation Army locations also host various informal gatherings throughout the year, including playgroups, women’s outings, seniors’ groups, small group spiritual chats and more.

Find your local Salvos