Holy Week at St James
The Liturgy of the Palms and the Passion
Sunday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m.
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Holy Week begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. With palm branches in our hands we join the crowd in shouting “Hosanna,” welcoming the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
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Yet the joy of the procession quickly turns toward the solemn story of Christ’s Passion. In a single liturgy we move from triumph to the shadow of the cross, preparing our hearts for the sacred days ahead.
Palm Sunday opens the doorway into the mystery of Holy Week.
The Last Supper and the Gift of the Eucharist
Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM
On the night before his death, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Last Supper. In that meal he gave them the gift of the Eucharist — bread and wine as his Body and Blood — and commanded them to continue this meal in remembrance of him.
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On this day we remember the institution of the Holy Eucharist and enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s self-giving love. The service concludes with the solemn stripping of the altar as the church prepares to keep watch through the events of Good Friday.
This liturgy marks the beginning of the sacred Triduum — the three holy days that lead us to the joy of Easter.
In the quiet of this holy night, Christ gives us the sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Good Friday
Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM
On Good Friday the Church gathers in quiet reverence to remember the suffering and death of Jesus.
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Through scripture, prayer, and the veneration of the cross, we contemplate the depth of God’s love revealed in Christ’s sacrifice. The liturgy is simple, solemn, and profoundly powerful.
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Though this day is marked by sorrow, it is not without hope. Even here we begin to glimpse the mystery of God’s redeeming love.
At the foot of the cross we behold the depth of God’s love revealed in Christ.
The Great Vigil of Easter
From darkness into light . . .
Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 P.M.
The Easter Vigil is the most ancient and joyful liturgy of the Christian year and the culmination of Holy Week.
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We begin in darkness, where the new fire is kindled and the Paschal candle is prepared. From there the light of Christ enters the church, and by candlelight we listen to the great stories of God’s saving work — the stories that tell who we are as God’s people.
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Together we renew our baptismal promises and welcome the day of Resurrection with the celebration of the Easter Eucharist as we rejoice in the victory of life over death.
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Many people who attend the Easter Vigil for the first time discover that it becomes their favorite service of the entire year.
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This night of prayer, story, and sacrament is the Church’s greatest feast.
In the light of the Resurrection, the long journey of Holy Week gives way to the joy of Easter.