Lent 2025

From early times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special devotion. As the pilgrim Egeria recorded in the late fourth century, Jerusalem contained many sacred places that were sites for devotion and liturgy. Numerous pilgrims to the holy city followed the path of Jesus in his last days. They formed processions, worshipped where Christ suffered and died, and venerated relics. From this beginning evolved the rites we observe today on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection.

(from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/holy-week)

Join us at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church for Holy Week.

Holy Week 2025

Stations of the Cross - Tuesday, April 15

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.

Maundy Thursday - April 17

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 Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, to anguish in the garden, betrayal, and desolation. In the distance we begin to hear the sounds of crucifixion. This service is livestreamed on the main page of our website: saint-marys.org

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. Sign up at church or click the button below to sign up. You can also call the office if you need assistance signing up.

Good Friday - April 18

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.

Holy Saturday - April 19

8:00 PM Easter Vigil & Solemn High Eucharist, Rite II. The Easter Vigil service includes the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Exsultet, and the Great Vigil. This year, there will be a baptism during the Vigil. Note: the service will include the use of incense.

Easter/El Día de Pascua - April 20

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist and Flowering of the Cross by the Children and Youth. Music for this service will include a brass quartet. Children’s Easter Egg Hunts (by age group) will follow the service. Bring a basket for your children to fill with Easter eggs!

11:00 AM Solemn High Eucharist Rite II includes the fuller ceremonial practices of the church, including the use of incense. Music by the Liturgical Choir and a brass quartet. This service is livestreamed on the main page of the website: saint-marys.org.

1:30 PM Santa Eucaristía

Articles about Lent

If you are unfamiliar with the Season of Lent or could simply use some help thinking about a Lenten discipline, click the button below for an article about Lent and ways to think about “Giving Up” and “Taking On” habits and things for the 40 days of Lent.

Observing a Holy Lent

Read the Rev. Bingham Powell’s Rector’s Closing Thoughts article from our 2025 Lent Bellringer by clicking the button below.

The Dangers and Beauty of the Desert: Lenten Thoughts

Read an older article from Bingham+ on his reflections on the season of Lent

Reflections on Lent

Lenten Adult Education Opportunities

Lenten Adult Education Class

Thursdays - March 13 and 20 & April 3 and 10 - from 7 to 8:30 p.m. “This is my body,” Jesus said as he broke bread with his friends on the night before his death. His body bore the agony of Gethsemane and suffered on the cross. On the third day, his disciples encountered him in his resurrected body. As we prepare for Holy Week and Easter, we will reflect together on the significance of the body - Christ’s and our own - through scripture and the insights of various theologians. Deepen your appreciation of Holy Week, Easter, and the embodied nature of our faith. Please join us. RSVP to Bingham at bingham@saint-marys.org.

Praying with Icons

Lenten Program and Worship

Saturday, March 22nd, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Thank you to all who participated in this program.

2025 Lent Bellringer

Our 2025 Lent Bellringer can be found on our newsletters page.

Newsletter

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.