Lent 2023

Join us as we journey through Holy Week

Palm Sunday - April 2

8:00 AM Blessing of the Palms, Passion Gospel, and Holy Eucharist.

9:30 AM Blessing of the Palms, Passion Gospel, and Holy Eucharist. The 9:30 AM service begins with a congregational procession around the church, starting in the narthex. Children and youth are invited to help lead the procession with instruments and palms. Arrive by 9:20 AM to help lead. The service includes a dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel. Following the service we will have an all-ages Paschal candle making activity up in Berktold Hall.

11:00 AM Blessing of the Palms, Passion Gospel, and Holy Eucharist. The 11 AM services include a setting of the Passion according to Saint Matthew by Tom Trent, sung by the Liturgical Choir.

1:30 PM Liturgia de las Palmas, La Eucaristía, y Evangelio de la Pasión

Stations of the Cross - Tuesday, April 4

6:30 PM Dinner

7:00 PM Stations of the Cross

Explore an ancient tradition as we walk the Stations of the Cross. There will be readings, prayers, and music to engage us in Christ’s final steps. The evening will begin with a light Lenten dinner at 6:30 PM. Sign up for the dinner, so we know how much to prepare.

Maundy Thursday - April 6

5:30 PM Maundy Thursday for Children and Families, Followed by a Simple Supper

Join us as we explore Jesus’ last night with his disciples. This simplified service is designed with a particular focus on children, however everyone is welcome. Sign up for the dinner, so we know how much to prepare.

7:30 PM Holy Eucharist, Foot-washing, Stripping of the Altar

This is a busy night. We move from places of warmth and service, of washing feet, calls to love, and supper together, to anguish in the garden, betrayal, and desolation. In the distance we begin to hear the sounds of crucifixion. The 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday service will be livestreamed.

8:30 PM Thursday until Noon of Good Friday Altar of Repose Vigil

A vigil is kept at the Altar of Repose from the close of Maundy Thursday services to the beginning of the Mass of the Pre-sanctified Eucharist. At least two people are needed for each hour of the vigil. One person is a “Watch” at the Altar of Repose and the other is a “Guard” by the alley door. The sign up chart is in the narthex.

Good Friday - April 7

Noon Mass of the Pre-sanctified Eucharist

Take this time to go to the cross with Jesus in scripture, prayer, and music. Holy Communion blessed at the Maundy Thursday Eucharist (pre-sanctified) is distributed. This service will be livestreamed.

Holy Saturday - April 8

5:00 PM Circle Service

On this Holy Saturday, we spend time in darkness and silence remembering Jesus in the tomb. This alternative service is held in our Guild Room.

8:00 PM Easter Vigil & Solemn High Eucharist, Rite II

Join clergy and parishioners from the local parishes of St. John the Divine, St. Mary’s, St. Matthew’s, and St. Thomas for this beautiful Solemn High Eucharist at St. Mary’s. The Easter Vigil service includes the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Exsultet, and the Great Vigil. Note: the service will include the use of incense.

Reflections on Lent

Read the Rev. Bingham Powell’s Rector’s Closing Thoughts article from our Lent 2023 Bellringer here.

Lent 2023 Bellringer

This link will send you to a pdf version of the latest edition of our newsletter.

Lenten Adult Education Opportunities

Lenten Adult Education Class

The events in Jesus’ life from the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb are the central moments of our faith. Every year, we take a journey with Christ through these events in a special series of services - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil - that are collectively called the Triduum. For our Lenten Adult Ed program this year, we are going to explore the elements of the Triduum looking at Scripture, history, liturgy, and art, helping us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of these services. Each class will focus on a different service in the Triduum. At the end of this program you will be better prepared to fully enter into the powerful participation of the Triduum, these three sacred services that lead us with Jesus from death to resurrection.

Class dates and topics:

March 9: Maundy Thursday

March 16: Good Friday

March 23: Easter Vigil

Each class will begin at 7:00 PM and is scheduled to last 75 minutes. Any questions, please reach out to Bingham+ (bingham@saint-marys.org).

Episcopal/Anglican Foundations Course

A four-week course on the Episcopal/Anglican approach to faith. This introductory course will cover worship, scripture, history, and governance. Classes will be on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:45 PM, starting Sunday, February 26. This course is for anyone wanting to learn about the Episcopal/Anglican approach to these foundational topics, whether a newcomer to the Episcopal Church or long-time Episcopalians looking to go back to the basics. If you are interested in Confirmation, Reaffirmation, or Reception into the Episcopal Church when the Bishop makes her visitation in May, taking this course is a pre-requisite. Questions? Email the Rev. Bingham Powell, bingham@saint-marys.org.

Compline

Join us for Compline. Carve out 10 minutes for yourself this evening, find a quiet spot, and tune in to this evening service of prayer and reflection.