5 Things to Know Today, April 21

1. Happy Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. Holy Thursday is part of Sacred Triduum that includes the three days before Easter.

It falls on the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

For many Christians, this day holds special meaning because it commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, by Christ. According to the New Testament, on this day Jesus gave at his Last Supper to do in his memory what he did when he gave his disciples bread, saying, "This is my body," and wine, saying, "This is my blood."

2. Churches throughout the Bloomingdale Patch area will commemorate Maundy Thursday with special services.

St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Road, will observe Holy Thursday beginning with morning prayer at 8 a.m. followed by a Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7 p.m. with a traditional foot washing by the priests and deacons in imitation of Christ. John 13:1-17 mentions Jesus performing his act.  Afterward, the Eucharist will be reserved in the Chapel of Repose until midnight.

St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon, at the corner of Bryan Road and Bloomingdale Avenue will observe Maundy Thursday with a worship service at 7 p.m.

First Presbyerian Church of Brandon, 121 Carver St., Brandon, also will observe Maundy Thursday with a service at 7 p.m.

Holy Innocent's Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Road, Valrico, will celebrate Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. with a liturgy, Holy Communion and foot-washing service.

Resurrection Catholic Church, 6819 Krycul Ave., Riverview, will observe the day with a foot washing and Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7 p.m. followed by an all-night Holy Vigil.

3. The Brandon Christian Women's Connection will host its annual Easter Hat Luncheon Thursday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the special events center at  Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon. The guest speaker will be Amy Peck. The cost is $12 or $8 for military wives. Call Lillie at 813-740-0098. No membership is required. All ladies are welcome. There will be a collection of baby items for LifeCare of Brandon.

4. Get the pets involved in the Easter celebration.

Canine Cabana, 9708 Carr Road, Riverview, will host its second annual spring Pooches on Parade Thursday, April 21. Guests will collect eggs and bob for dog biscuits. Each guest will take home a basket of goodies.  A portion of the proceeds will go to A Kid's Place in Brandon, a home for neglected and abused children. To register for the parade, contact Angie Frazier at 813-672-9663 or e-mail angie@caninecabana.biz.

5. Westfield Brandon mall will host its third year of the WFamily Program with "The Great Outdoors," a day planned around a nature theme.

Children will learn about plants and flowers while creating their own felt flowers bouquet at this free event April 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. There also will be a storytime with "The Tiny Seed" and "Zinnia's Flower Garden," and a chance to meet the Chick-fil-A cow and eat healthy snacks.