Lent, Holy Week and Easter at Saint James
Observing the Triduum
As we move from Lent into Holy Week and the Triduum, the three-day period from Maundy Thursday through Easter Eve, we invite you to partake of these activities and worship opportunities to deepen and enrich your journey through Good Friday and into Easter morning.
Jesus Christ: A Super Star & MassAvailable in person only.
Join us for a very special mass on the eve of Palm Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant return to Jerusalem with the music from Jesus Christ Superstar. The mass takes us through the journey of Holy Week with the iconic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice providing the backdrop of the Last Supper, Jesus’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the trial before Pilate. With a live band, a multi-generational cast, and the congregation joining us in singing the timeless songs from the musical, we invite you to journey with us as we present a Jesus Christ Super Star and Mass.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday services begin with a congregational procession into the churchyard with palms and follows the Passion story. Click here to view the 10:30 AM streaming service.
Bible Foods Dinner
An annual Holy Week tradition at Saint James!
Saint James’ Top Chefs Hoffer & Mackey are preparing the lamb and fish! All you need to do is bring a biblically-inspired side dish or dessert to share potluck style. Think Middle Eastern: hummus, pita, olives, salad, falafel, etc. Children, youth and families are invited to join in before the Mass with foot washing at 6:00 PM. Click here to let us know you’ll be attending. Surprise us with the dish you’ll be bringing!
Children, Youth and Families Mass with Foot Washing in the Chapel
Families who would like to engage in the symbolic gesture of washing the feet of others in their family are asked to bring a towel from home. Chairs and pitchers of water will be provided for our brief observance.
Maundy Thursday: Holy Eucharist with Foot-Washing and Stripping of the Altar
This service is the commemoration of the institution of Holy Communion by Jesus as we reflect on his commandment to love one another as He loved us. We recount Jesus' last supper with the disciples, being betrayed and waiting in the Garden of Gethsemane. Click here to view the service from our streaming services page.
All Night Prayer Vigil with the Blessed Sacrament
The all night vigil with prayer and meditation takes place in the sanctuary immediately following the 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday service and continues until Holy Friday at 6:45 AM. Small groups sign up to "keep watch" in the "garden" with Jesus for one hour in the chapel. For those who wish to attend virtually, click here to view the Vigil at your convenience. Participants are encouraged to bring their meditations, prayers and/or prayer beads.
Please click here to sign up for the hour(s) you wish to “keep watch in the garden.”
Good Friday Silent Meditation
In the Chapel
Gather together with clergy at the end of the overnight vigil for a silent meditation and reverent consumption of the Blessed Sacrament. Available in person only.
Reflections on Art, Climate Change and the Last Words of Christ
In the Sanctuary
Join Father David Peck and Artist in Residence Scott Wright as they reflect on art, climate change and the Last Words of Christ.
Available in person only.
Intergenerational Walk of Witness with Stations of the Cross
We meet in the cloister to begin a contemplative prayer walk around the neighborhood. We reflect on the world’s
need for Christ and his resurrection while pausing to offer prayers for the city and the people it serves.
Veneration of the Cross
The tradition of venerating the cross began in the 4th century with a Spanish nun who, on Holy Friday, would display parts of the holy wood of the cross on which Christ died, for veneration by pilgrims. This custom made its way into several liturgies as part of the Triduum, the three-day period from Maundy Thursday through Easter Eve.
We venerate the cross not because Christ died on it, but because by the cross, salvation has entered the whole world. Click here to view the service from our streaming services page.
Easter Vigil and Lighting of the Easter Fire
This is the first and central liturgy of Easter. Beginning Saturday evening in holy darkness out of which the Easter fire is kindled and candles are lit, we recount from our scriptures the saving works of God. Click here to visit our streaming services page.
Easter Day Services
The Sunrise Service will bring the joy of the Risen Son to the city of Lancaster as we praise God with the rising sun.
At the 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses, the clergy of Saint James will share in the joyful celebration of the Easter Mass. Our worship music will include an extended prelude and postlude with Epiphany Brass, organ and timpani.
Click here to view the 10:30 AM Mass from our streaming services page.
CYF Eggstravaganza
All are welcome!
Our time together will begin with a few words of reflection on the resurrection of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ followed by a song and the search for Easter eggs! A color coding system is used to ensure children of all ages have fun hunting for eggs hidden just for them. Children are asked to bring their own basket. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ash Wednesday services: