Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
The spiritual work of Lent includes three foundational practices:
- Quieting our inner lives to create space for reflection.
- Taking stock of our relationships with God and others.
- Adopting new habits that draw us closer to God.
There are many opportunities at St. Stephen’s to support your Lenten journey. Come be a part and grow deeper in faith this Lent!
Shrove Tuesday
The last day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
“Shrove” comes from the Old English word “shrive,” meaning absolve. Because Lent is a season of renewal, expressed in fasting and penitence, today is the day Christians would go to be “shriven” by their confessor. So Shrove Tuesday is an especially good day to reflect on what hinders your relationship with God and with those you seek to love.
Shrove Tuesday is also traditionally a day of feasting (“Mardi Gras” or “Carnival”). In some countries, Christians make pancakes in order to use up the butter, milk, sugar, and eggs before Lent begins. You might have been part of pancake suppers at St. Stephen’s in the past; hopefully, we’ll revive that tradition in the years to come!
Ash Wednesday
March 5 at 7:00 pm
The Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes. View the livestream here and view the bulletin here.
Sunday Forums
Join Rev. Jennifer and John Terauds for four Sundays this Lent as we explore the meaning of Lent and common Lenten practices. These may not be entirely comfortable topics, but we will share our wisdom and experience with each other, knowing that this work will not only make the days we have ahead of us more rich but will be a gift to our loved ones who will journey with us at the end of life. You can view the forum materials here. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Parish Hall
February 22: The Meaning of Lent
March 1: Taking Stock and Preparing for the End of Life
March 8: Forgiveness and Reconciliation
March 15: Lenten Practice: Planning Your Funeral
Lenten Contemplative Prayer
Wednesdays, March 4 – March 25
6:00 pm-6:30 pm
Gather in the Chapel for a brief service of evening prayer steeped in silence, chant and candlelight. Our prayers come from the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community founded on the Isle of Iona in Scotland and growing to include gatherings in the United Kingdom, Europe and United States.
Weekly Way of the Cross Lenten Meditation
Each week, take some time for a short meditation on what it can mean to follow the way of the Cross with Jesus Christ with videos created by John Terauds. In the Lenten season, weekly mediation allows us to reflect on redemption, resurrection, and the love of Christ.
Lent 1 | Lent 2 | Lent 3 | Lent 4 | Lent 5 | Holy Week
Holy Week
Palm Sunday, March 29
10 am in the Nave
Maundy Thursday, April 2
6:30 pm in the Parish Hall
Good Friday, April 3
6:30 pm in the Nave
Easter Day
April 5
10 am in the Nave
Festive Eucharist with special Choral Music
