Lent Schedule 2026:
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 17 5:30-7 p.m.
Join us for the annual parish community pancake supper! There will be King cake, pancake races, and crafts for kids of all ages. There is no fee, but we will have a free-will offering jar to help cover the cost of the food. Please RSVP if you are coming and sign up to help with the dinner. (Look for the Sign-Up Genius in the weekly parish email). Email any questions to MaryEllen at dirmebst.andrews@icloud.com
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 18
Ashes To Go - 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Longmeadow Street in front of the church.
Eucharist Services with the Distribution of Ashes at
7 am & 12 pm - Chapel (No music)
7 pm Church - (with Music and Choir)
The Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
Saturday, March 28 at 5 p.m. and Sunday March 29 at 8 a.m. (The service begins in the St. Andrew’s Room and will process into the Church)
Sunday March 29 at 10 a.m. (The service begins in parking lot or the St. Andrew’s Room, depending on weather, and will process into the Church)
This liturgy recalls both the jubilation of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, as well as the sorrow and solemnity of the Passion. The congregation takes roles in both, first by taking up the palms of adulation and singing hymns of praise. When the focus of the service shifts abruptly to the Passion narrative – this year taken from the Gospel of Matthew – the congregation assumes the part of the crowd, calling for Jesus’ crucifixion.
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Holy Week
From the earliest times, our ancestors in faith have gathered in community to mark the week preceding Easter with special liturgies and rituals, remembering the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, and finally celebrating the joy of his resurrection. It is a week in which many stories are retold: they are the stories which shape and define the core of our lives as Christians.
Wednesday – Tenebrae Service | April 1 at 7 p.m.
The word tenebrae comes from the Latin for “shadow” or “darkness.” This service, with its monastic roots, recreates through readings, music and the use of darkness and light, the sufferings of Christ. The St. Andrew’s Adult Choir will present the choral responses.
Maundy Thursday | April 2 at 7 p.m.
This liturgy, which will include the ceremony of the washing of feet of pre-selected individuals, recalls Jesus’ mandate to his disciples and to all who follow him: to “love one another as I have loved you.” The ministry of all people, both lay and ordained, is rooted in this charge. The liturgy concludes with the silent stripping of the church in preparation for Good Friday.
Overnight Vigil in the Chapel
For early Christians, Maundy Thursday marked the beginning of three days spent together in community as they stayed together to observe Good Friday, Holy Saturday and finally celebrate Easter. Members of the parish are invited to participate in this tradition by taking an hour-long shift in the all-night vigil in the Chapel. Look for the sign-up sheet in the church.
Good Friday | April 3
Prayer Book Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross
12 noon and 7 p.m.
(7 p.m. service includes music)
This liturgy begins with the celebration of the Word. The readings for the day again include the Passion narrative, which on Good Friday is always from the Gospel of John.
The second part of this liturgy, the Veneration of the Cross, began in early centuries when the faithful revered fragments of wood believed to be of the true cross. This action is now reflected as a wooden cross is brought into the church and given reverence with prayers and anthems. Finally, all share Communion from the Reserve Sacrament, as no Holy Eucharist is celebrated this day.
Stations of the Cross (Children at 10 a.m.; all at 2 p.m.)
This devotion to the Passion of Christ recalls the series of events at the end of Jesus' life from his condemnation to his burial. Our tradition imitates the practice of visiting the places of Jesus' Passion in the Holy Land by early Christian pilgrims and moves around the stations on the inner perimeter of the church. The children’s version is interactive and child-friendly.
The Great Vigil of Easter | Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m at Christ Church Cathedral
Our Easter Vigil has its roots in the practice of early Christians who kept watch in the hours of darkness ending at dawn on Easter to hear scripture and offer prayer. It begins with the lighting of the New Fire, from which the Paschal Candle is lit, symbolizing the light of the Risen Christ breaking though and vanquishing the darkness of death. This light is celebrated with the singing of the Exsultet, a hymn of joy and praise.
The congregation then gathers by the light of the New Fire to hear the stories from the Old Testament of how God saved his people in ages past. This is the church’s Passover, read in the light of the Paschal Candle, reminding us that Christ is the ultimate action of God’s salvation.
The Great Vigil is a traditional time for baptisms, and provides an opportunity for all to renew our Baptismal Vows. Finally, on this night of Christ’s resurrection, the celebration of the first Holy Eucharist of Easter is the climax of the church’s observance of Holy Week, and embodies the joy of new life for each of us.
Easter Day | Sunday, April 5
Sunrise Eucharist 6 a.m.
In the Columbarium (outside walled space) or Chapel depending on weather
Festival Eucharist 10 a.m.
Our principal service with choral music. Followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for children.
Regular Schedule:
To meet the diverse spiritual needs of parishioners, newcomers and seekers, we offer a variety of liturgies (services):
Saturday at 5 p.m.
A simple celebration of Holy Communion without music (music is offered on the second Saturday of the month – see below to learn more about our Celtic worship experience).
Sunday at 8 a.m.
A contemplative and quiet celebration of Holy Communion without music.
Sunday at 10 a.m.
A festive celebration of Holy Communion In-Person and Livestream with a variety of musical offerings.