The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday that church members will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 9, with a single worship meeting commemorating the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Similar to when Christmas is on a Sunday, this allows families and individuals to focus on Christ. Sunday meetings are typically in two hour blocks with the second hour being an instruction time with Sunday School, Relief Society for women and Priesthood groups for men.

“Sacrament meeting that day provides an opportunity to feature Christ-centered messages and sacred music,” the leaders stated in an official letter addressed to all general authorities, general officers and other area, stake, mission, district and ward leaders and councils.

The letter states that all other Sunday meetings should be canceled and no stake conferences should be scheduled on Easter Sunday.

“During the Easter season we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and share His gospel with others as we consider His life and mission. We may appropriately invite friends and family to join us that day to receive messages of hope, peace, the reality of immortality, and the possibility of eternal life through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice,” the First Presidency letter reads.

The letter was signed by church President Russell M. Nelson, President and First Counselor Dallin H. Oaks and President and Second Counselor Henry B. Eyring.

Easter Sunday culminates Holy Week with Palm Sunday on April 2, during the church’s Annual General Conference. In recent years, the church has placed more emphasis on commemorating and pondering the events during the last week of Christ’s mortal ministry, including the Last Supper and his sacrifice and prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, his crucifixion and his resurrection.

The First Presidency continues to encourage members to come closer to Christ through programs such as “Hear Him” and in recent updates to temple ceremonies.

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