The penitential season of lenT
is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, begins with Ash Wednesday. This season of self-examination and self denial corresponds to the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness after his baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptizer.
The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning “long spring days,” as the short, dark days of winter give way to the brighter days of spring. That is appropriate as we move from a dark, penitential season to the glory of Easter on April 5. The season lasts for six weeks because we do not count Sundays as part of Lent (they are, in effect, “little Easters”). Lent is a time that the Church sets aside to go deeper in our faith and to develop spiritual practices that draw us closer to God.
You’re invited to join us for worship and formation here at the Cathedral this Lent.
Lenten Devotionals
40 Days of Renewal: The Season of Lent is a period of time set aside to prepare for the mystery of Easter. This is a resource that you might use as a personal model that responds to the invitation to keep a holy Lent. These suggestions encourage one to undertake an inward and outward journey by incorporating the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Adapt it according to what you personally feel you can undertake.
Where Your Heart Is: We want to help your family keep a holy Lent by providing programs and resources to guide you on your 40-day journeys. To that end, we want to invite your family to spend some time with a new Lenten devotional called Where the Heart Is. This has stories, discussion questions, coloring pages, and wisdom for the whole season. Based on Jesus’ teachings in his Sermon on the Mount, there is a different activity for your family to do together each week. It’s designed to work for all kinds of families, those with older kids and younger ones. Contact Michelle Thomas to receive your copy today!
LENT EVENTS & FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
Reconciliation of a Penitent
By appointment throughout Lent
Anyone who is interested in confession may contact Provost Michelle or Vicar Ted to make an appointment.
Sunday Morning Formation
Sunday Mornings during Lent from 9:15 am - 10:00 am
A Lenten Psalter
The Book of Psalms is the richest source of texts for our wonder, praise, and joy, but also for our grief, anger, and lament. There are several that we pray together in the liturgies of Lent and Holy Week that add depth and gravitas to our services, connecting us with countless generations before us who have prayed them during this holy season. Join us for this class that will explore these Lenten psalms through music, scholarship, and group reflection. Led by Fr Ted Clarkson in the Chapter Room.
Considering God: The Who, What, and Why of Faith 9:15 am Youth Room
Beginning February 22nd, a small group discovery of who God really is, what God’s nature reveals, why God matters, and how to experience a deeper God connection. Faith, reflection, questions, and conversation are all welcome! Led by Mike Davis in the Harriet Bedell (Youth) Room.
Walking the Way of the Christian Mystics
Thursdays in Lent from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
5:30 pm Evening Prayer in the Chapel; 5:50 pm Light Supper and 6:15 pm Program in Harvard (Parish) Hall
Across the centuries, Christian mystics have helped the Church attend more deeply to God’s presence in daily life. In this five-week Lenten series, we will explore their wisdom through story, conversation, and reflection while being introduced to spiritual practices that encourage attentiveness to God. Whether you are longtime in faith or simply curious about the deeper life of the Spirit, you are warmly invited. No prior experience is needed — only a willingness to listen, reflect, and journey together this Lent.
Making Palm Crosses
Wednesday, March 25 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
All are welcome to join the Altar Guild to make the palm crosses we’ll be wearing on Palm Sunday. Each year we make about 500 crosses. It’s actually pretty easy — a couple of folds and some loops and you’re done! Stay as long as you're able. Lunch provided.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 29 at 8:00 am and 10:15 am
The Rite I service will take place at 8:00 am. The 10:15 am service will include the Liturgy of the Palms and a dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel.
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Holy Week
March 30, 31 and April 1 at 6:00 pm
The Cathedral will offer Evening Prayer in the Chapel.
TRIDUUM: THE SACRED THREE DAYS
The Liturgies of the Triduum—that is, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Holy Week—are often considered to be a single liturgy stretched over three days. They trace Jesus' journey to the tomb until the proclamation of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm
*Nursery care is available
We remember the Last Supper and Jesus' final teachings to his friends with the Liturgy of The Word, Washing of Feet, and Holy Eucharist. The service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar.
Gethsemane Vigil
Thursday, April 2 from 8:00 pm to Friday, April 3 at 6:00 am
St. Mary's Chapel is transformed into a quiet garden and all are invited to spend an hour or more in prayer, inspired by Jesus' words in the Garden of Gethsemane, "could you not stay awake with me one hour?" This can be a powerful experience of prayer that makes us aware of Jesus’ presence with us in times of sorrow or uncertainty. To view the sign up, click here.
Way of the Cross
Friday, April 3 at 7:30 am
Join us on the front steps of the Cathedral for the 50th Way of the Cross. Led by Cathedral youth, we will journey through downtown St. Petersburg, tracing Jesus' final steps to the cross.
Good Friday
Friday, April 3 at 12:00 pm
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ crucifixion. The service includes the passion as written in John’s gospel and praying of the solemn collects. Communion will be from the Reserved Sacrament. All are invited to come forward to pray at the cross on the marble.
Parking in the city lot on 2nd Ave N is NOT available. You must use metered street parking.
The Great Vigil of Easter
Saturday, April 4 at 7:00 pm
The Great Vigil of Easter is an ancient tradition that moves worshippers, literally and symbolically, from darkness to light. The service includes readings, baptisms, confirmations, and the return of "Alleluia!" Bishop Scharf will preside at this service. Incense will be used. Nursery care will be available.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 5 at 8:00 am and 10:15 am
We gather as the body of Christ and celebrate with joy the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The 10:15 am service will include the Cathedral Choir and Brass.
Nursery care and children's chapel will be available at 10:15 am.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 5 at 12:00 pm
Toddlers through 2nd graders are invited to hunt for beautifully painted wooden eggs in the garden. They'll turn those in for one of our community partners. For each egg given, the Cathedral will donate 50 cents. Bring your own basket!
Robust Easter goody bags will be on hand for all children, nursery through 5th graders, full of candy, treats, and prizes. If you'd like to help contribute to cover the cost of the Easter bags, go to spcathedral.org/give and select Family Ministry from the drop down menu.