Lent and Easter at the Cathedral
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 20. 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, participate in a small group study, or engage with our arts ministry.
Restore Us By Your Loving Care: A Lenten Guide for 2025
Grow in Your Faith
Sundays at 9:00 am | Chapter Room
March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6
For those seeking baptism, confirmation, and reception into the Episcopal Church.
Led by Cathedral clergy, this class will dive into church history, the sacraments, spirituality, ministry, and more. The group will use "Being Christian" by Rowan Williams as the starting place for conversation. This group will meet in the Chapter Room.
Registration is required to participate in this class. The book is provided for all participants.
Wednesdays at 5:45 pm | Harvard Hall
March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9
Evening Prayer in St. Mary’s Chapel at 5:45 pm
Simple Soup Dinner at 6:00 pm, please bring a dish to share
Discussion from 6:30-7:30 pm
*Please note that the city lot does not open until 6:00 pm. Please use metered street parking.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus meets people at the table—welcoming the outcast, challenging the self-righteous, nourishing the hungry, and revealing His very identity. Lent invites us to slow down and reflect: How is Jesus meeting us at the table of our own lives? Where do we need to be fed, healed, or transformed? Each session will include scripture, discussion, and a simple spiritual practice to take into daily life. Led by Mother Michelle Robertshaw and Canon Mike Alford.
Thursdays at 10:30 am | Chapter Room
March 13, 20, 27 and April 3 and 10
“The Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart” by Joan Chittister
Are the Ten Commandments just a set of rules or are they a way of life? How does each one call us to reflect on our life and values? What does it mean to love God and our neighbor in a world where violence, greed, and fear threaten our lives, our values, our hearts? Joan Chittister answers these and other questions.
Each chapter focuses on what one of the commandments means for us today. The final two shed light on the two Great Commandments, "Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself." Led by Deacon Hillary Peete.
Books are available at the front desk for $10.
Fridays at 6:30 pm | Church
March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11
The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) is a traditional liturgical devotion commemorating the last day of Jesus’ life. The prayers and other spoken words in this devotion come from The Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services. All are invited to join with others in prayer at the Cathedral as we pause to reflect and pray before the 14 stained glass windows in the nave.
On Friday, March 28, iconographer Christine Hales will join us to lead us through her 14 stations of the cross currently installed in St. Mary's Chapel. She will guide us through the liturgy as well as give us insight into the unique images written to help us understand Christ's passion and our involvement in it.
50th Way of the Cross | Good Friday, April 18 at 7:30 am
The Cathedral youth will lead us for the 50th Way of the Cross through downtown St. Petersburg. All are invited to join us. It begins on the front steps of the Cathedral, goes to the courthouse, throughout the alleyways, through Williams Park, with a moving conclusion in the Memorial Garden and singing "Were you there when they crucified my Lord" in the church.
One of the greatest healing sacraments of the Christian Church is the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent. This sacramental Rite - also known as “Confession” - is truly a gift to the church as it offers confidential counsel, reconciliation, forgiveness, assurance, and strength. To many, it has been a source of great comfort as their souls are renewed and hearts encouraged to continue their faith journeys.
While The Episcopal Church does not require participation in this sacrament, she does suggest, “All may, some should, none must.” The choice is yours alone. For more information or to schedule a private offering of this grace-filled sacrament, contact one of our clergy, Provost Michelle Robertshaw or Canon Mike Alford, or the church office (727) 822-4173.
Holy Week + Easter
Making Palm Crosses
Wednesday, April 9 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, April 13 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 reading of the Passion Gospel.
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 17 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 17 from 8:00 pm to Friday 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 18 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 18 at Noon
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 19 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. Nursery care will be available.
Easter Sunrise Service
April 20 at 6:45 am
Join with others from across the St. Petersburg Deanery at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church for a simple sunrise service on the water.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 20 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, March 20 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.