Sister Joan May believes Christians wish to become closer to God on the day they celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
May, the parish administrator at St. Mark Catholic Church in Goodrich, said that is one of the main reasons church turnout is higher on Easter Sunday than on an every-week basis.
‘Some people realize this is a great celebration of the resurrection of Jesus,? May said. ‘It’s a special holiday and they want to make a special connection with their God.?
The Rev. Debbie Line, pastor at Seymour Lake United Methodist Church in Brandon Township, echoed May’s sentiments.
‘I believe the holidays have a tradition,? she said. ‘People feel a call to be a part of that tradition. I think it’s tied with that kind of response.?
This week, Christians in the Brandon and Goodrich communities will commemorate Holy Week with various services throughout the week, culminating with Easter Sunday on April 11.
For many, Holy Week and Easter is a chance to reconnect with their church communities after not attending on a regular basis.
A poll taken by ABC News and the Website beliefnet.com in February 2002 finds that only 38 percent of Christians attend weekly services.
The poll also stated 60 percent of people age 65 and older attend on a regular basis, compared to 28 percent of people ages 18-30. In addition, 44 percent of Christian women attend on a regular basis, compared to 32 percent of men.
In addition, Line said the percentage of people that don’t attend church at all is higher than it’s ever been.
She said the reason for that is the nature of our society, where there is more going on Sundays than 50 years ago, when church was the only thing to do.
‘We have busy people, and it’s a competition for time,? she said. ‘Now, with two-income families, we try to get everything done, and children’s activities fall on those days, so there’s a lack of commitment to church.?
However, Line also said people tend to return to church once they have children, in order to make sure their children experience the same traditions they have.
As far as getting people to return on a regular basis, Line said she tries to point out how the church serves people of all ages.
‘I try to make sure it’s an easily understood message, not bogged down with theological terms,? she said. ‘We try to welcome them and show them it’s a place with something to offer for everyone.?
She also said on Palm Sunday (April 4) and Easter Sunday, she will challenge her congregation to think and come up with questions about their faith, which she will address at future services.
May said Holy Week and Easter offers a chance for Christians to reflect on how Christ died for our sins and to come together and celebrate the good news of His resurrection.
‘It’s just a very beautiful time of the year to celebrate what Christ did for us and the promise of eternal life,? she said.

‘Lakeview Community Church, 10023 South State Rd., Goodrich:
Good Friday service (April 9), 7 p.m.; Easter service, 10:30 a.m.
‘St. Anne Catholic Church, 825 S. Ortonville Road, Ortonville:
Monday, April 5, Communal Penance Service, 7:30 p.m.; Holy Thursday, April 8, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday, Stations of the Cross, noon; Good Friday Liturgy, 1 p.m.; Ecumenical Service, 7 p.m.; Holy Saturday, April 10, Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday, Mass, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
‘Christ Lutheran Church, 5245 Hadley Road, Goodrich:
Maundy (Holy) Thursday worship, 7 p.m.; Good Friday service, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 7 a.m. (sunrise service) and 10:30 a.m.
‘St. Mark Catholic Church, 7296 S. Gale, Goodrich:
Holy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. service, adoration until 11 p.m.; Good Friday, 12:30 p.m. service; Holy Saturday, blessing of food, 11 a.m., Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.; Easter Sunday, Mass, 10 a.m.
‘Seymour Lake United Methodist Church, Brandon Township:
Holy Thursday, 7:30 p.m. service, Worship Fellowship Center; Good Friday, ecumenical service at St. Anne, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
‘Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 270 Grange Hall Road, Ortonville:
Maundy Thursday service, 7:30 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
‘Christ Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod), 5245 Hadley Road, Goodrich:
Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday, 7 a.m. sunrise service, 8 a.m. Easter breakfast, 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 Easter worship.