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 evening through Easter evening, we invite you to partake of these activities and worship opportunities to deepen and enrich your journey through Good Friday and into Easter morning.

Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 24, 8:30 & 10:30 AM
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

Thursday, March 28, 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Come and experience our Bible Foods Dinner in the parish house forum room before or after the family foot washing service or before our Maundy Thursday service. Traditionally, lamb and fish are served, and everyone brings a biblically-inspired side dish or dessert to share potluck style.

CYF Foot Washing in the Chapel

Thursday, March 28, 6:00 PM
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.

Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar

Thursday, March 28, 7:30 PM

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 Vigil

After the 7:30 Maundy Thursday service until Holy Friday, 7 AM

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 7 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 own meditations, prayers and/or prayer beads.

Please click here to sign up for the hour(s) you wish to “keep watch in the garden.”

Walk of Witness with Stations of the Cross

Friday, March 29, 7:30 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.

Veneration of the Cross

Friday, March 29, 7:00 PM

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 the evening of Maundy Thursday through Easter evening.

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, March 30, 7:30 PM

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 Sunrise Service

Sunday, March 31, 6:30 AM in the churchyard at Saint James

The Sunrise Service will bring the joy of the Risen Son to the city of Lancaster as we praise God with the rising sun.

CYF Eggstravaganza

Sunday, March 31, 9:30 AM in the churchyard at Saint James

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 and adult.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, March 31, 8:30 & 10:30 AM

Saint James clergy will share with all, in the fullness of the joy of the Easter Mass.  Click here to view the 10:30 Mass from our streaming services page.

Holy Week for Families

Looking for children and youth programs during Holy Week?

Click here to learn more

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday services begin with a congregational procession into the churchyard with palms and follows the Passion story. The children's choir also sings during the mass.

Maundy Thursday Family Mass, 4:30 PM

Our Maundy Thursday celebration includes readings, music, foot washing, and Eucharist in the chapel.

Easter Vigil and Lighting of the Easter Fire, 7:30 PM

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. Children will hear Godly Play stories in Children’s Chapel and rejoin the congregation to celebrate and share Eucharist. Lights, bells, and incense attend the joyous

Good Friday Family Stations of the Cross, 4:30 PM

Follow Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to his death on the cross in this solemn Good Friday service. We will pause at each station in the churchyard to read and to pray with Jesus in his journey to the cross. The service is structured with children and families in mind, but all are welcome. We'll gather in the cloister to begin our journey.

Veneration of the Cross, 7:30 PM

The tradition of venerating the cross began in the 4th century with a Spanish nun who, on Good 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 the evening of Maundy Thursday through Easter evening.

We venerate the cross not because Christ died on it, but because by the cross, salvation has entered the whole world. At Saint James, worshipers are invited to come forward to touch, kiss or kneel before the cross if they wish.

The Seven Last Words of Christ 12 - 3 PM

This three-hour devotion on the Seven Last Words of Christ is an Ecumenical service led by the Downtown Ministerium with music presented by Saint James. All are invited to attend. Come and go as you wish.

Easter Sunday

8:30 & 10:30 AM Both our 8:30 and 10:30 masses include the Festal Eucharist with Brass and Children’s Chapel. Nursery care is also available at both services.