Lent, Holy Week and Easter at Saint James
Shrove Tuesday
February 15, after the 10:30 Mass
Shrove Tuesday, or "Pancake Day," is the final feast day before Lent, falling on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (February 17, 2026). Historically, it was the day to use up rich, fatty foods like eggs, sugar, and dairy before the 40-day Lenten fast. It is also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras.
"Shrove" comes from the old word shrive, meaning to confess and receive absolution, as Christians would go to confession to prepare for Lent.
At Saint James, we typically celebrate Shrove Tuesday on the Sunday morning before Ash Wednesday. It is our Mardi Gras Pancake brunch.
Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers during Ash Wednesday services. The ashes symbolize penitence and serve as a reminder of mortality, often applied in the form of the sign of the cross. As stated in Genesis 3:19, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Derived from an Old English word meaning "spring"—the season of lengthening days—Lent is a 40-day solemn period of preparation for Easter. It concludes on Holy Saturday, not counting Sundays. This season is a time for introspection, self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting and self-denial, to draw closer to God and reflect on Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness.
The theme for this season of Lent at Saint James is Making a Right Beginning. Prayer resources have been created for the whole parish to help us keep a holy Lent by committing to a simple daily prayer practice—one that will carry us through Lent and into Holy Week, keeping us connected to Christ and to one another. Click here to download the Lenten booklet.
Jesus Christ: A Super Star & Mass
Saturday, March 28 | 5:00 PM
Available 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
Sunday, March 29 | 8:30 & 10:30 AM
Palm Sunday services begin with a congregational procession into the churchyard with palms and follows the Passion story. This service is streamed.
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 to Easter morning.
Bible Foods & Table Graces Dinner With Prayers for Peace
Thursday, April 2 | 5:30 PM
A family meal for all who seek peace in Jerusalem
Come join us (with or without a Mediterranean dish) to share a meal with special readings and prayers for peace in the diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
Seasoned chefs Paul Hoffer and Tim Mackey will be preparing a delicious feast featuring succulent lamb and fresh fish. To complement this culinary delight, we invite you to bring a side dish or dessert inspired by biblical themes to share in a potluck-style gathering. Consider dishes that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine, such as creamy hummus, warm pita bread, savory olives, refreshing salads, or crispy falafel. Click here to let us know you’ll be attending. Surprise us with the dish you’ll be bringing!
Maundy Thursday: Holy Eucharist with Foot-Washing and Stripping of the Altar
Thursday, April 2 | 7:30 PM (Streamed)
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 via livestream.
The Chapel Vigil with the Blessed Sacrament
Maundy Thursday, April 2, 9:00 PM through Friday, April 3; 6:45 AM
The Chapel 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, view the Vigil video below 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
Friday, April 3 | 6:45 AM
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.
Intergenerational Walk of Witness with Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 3 | 9:30 AM
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.
Icon Reflection and Prayers
Friday, April 3 | 12:00 PM
In the Chapel
Artist-in-Residence and iconographer, Dorothy Thayne, along with Fr. David Peck lead reflections and prayers with the icons of Christ-Extreme Humility and The Lamentation of Christ.
Veneration of the Cross
Friday, April 3 | 7:30 PM (streamed)
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
Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 7:30 PM (streamed)
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
Sunday, April 5, 2026
The 6:30 AM 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.
The 10:30 AM Mass is streamed live.
CYF Eggstravaganza
Sunday, April 5, 2026 | 9:30 AM
All are welcome!
Our time together will begin with a few words of reflection and song, followed by the joyful search for Easter eggs! A color-coding system is used to ensure that 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: