.png)
Dear People of God:
The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith. I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. (The Book of Common Prayer, 264)
Lenten Weekly Calendar
Sunday: 9:30am Bible Study
10:30am Sunday Mass & Children's Chapel
​
Monday-Friday: 7:30am Morning Prayer (chapel & online)
​
Monday-Saturday: 9:00pm Compline (online)
​
Wednesday: 10:00am Healing Mass (chapel)
6:00pm Soup Supper
6:30pm Evening Prayer, Lenten Series, and Children's Formation
​
Thursdays: 6:30-7:30pm Confession (chapel)
Ash Wednesday
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
March 5, 2025
7am | Ash Wednesday Liturgy
12n | Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Holy Communion
6:30pm | Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Holy Communion and Hymns
Lenten Offering
Lent is a season of almsgiving – giving money specifically to the poor and destitute. During Lent, we encourage special donations to be made to Episcopal Relief & Development, an organization providing disaster relief and economic development in over 40 countries. Donations may be made to St. James Church with the memo "Lent" or "ERD" to be forwarded to Episcopal Relief & Development.
Spiritual Practices, Old & New
2025 Lenten Formation Series
Join us each week as we explore both classic spiritual disciplines and fresh takes on spiritual practices. Led by practitioners from our own parish, we’ll familiarize ourselves with lectio divina, fasting, journaling, meditation, and several other time-tested spiritual practices. There’s likely to be something for everyone! Lent is a time to try new habits and disciplines, so let’s try some together as we grow in devotion to Christ.
Wednesdays in Lent, March 12 – April 9
Soup at 6pm
Evening Prayer at 6:30pm
Program at 7pm
Children's formation will be offered each week in addition to the Spiritual Practices series
Lent Madness
2025
Lent Madness is an annual tournament in which Episcopalians learn about the 32 saints selected to compete that year and vote throughout the Lenten season to see who will win the Golden Halo.
The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo.
The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move ino the area of saintly kitsch. With a weekly podcast and blog, this interactive competition is a fun discipline to add in Lent.
A large bracket will be placed in the Parish Hall through Lent, and individual scorecards are available for $1 in the Book Store. These scorecards include the biographies and all the other materials needed to place your vote in the tournament.
Learn more at LentMadness.org
Sacramental Reconciliation
Thursdays from 6:30-7:30pm or by appointment
Lent is a season of naming our sinfulness and striving to live more godly lives. Many benefit from confessing their sins to a priest and receiving the gift of absolution by hearing the good news that their sins have been forgiven. No sin is too small or too great to be released from through the sacramental rite of reconciliation.
You may reach out to one of our priests for assistance in preparing to make your confession.
Save the Dates for Holy Week
Palm Sunday (April 13): 10:30am
Holy Monday & Holy Tuesday: 6:30pm
Holy Wednesday Tenebrae: 6:30pm
Maundy Thursday Liturgy: 6:30pm
Good Friday Liturgy: 12n & 6:30pm
Holy Saturday Liturgy: 10am
The Great Vigil of Easter: 8pm
Easter Day (April 20): 6am and 10:30am
​