Holy Week at St. Stephen's
From Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection, Christians through the ages have found that a devotional focus on these last days in the life of Jesus can have a life-changing effect on us in the present. By following in his steps, listening intently to his final words to his dearest friends and to his words from the cross, even re-enacting some of the most poignant and penetrating moments of these last days, we find ourselves feeling as if our devotional sharing in his passion leads to a deeper sharing in his resurrection.
The liturgies and devotions of Holy Week are time-honored ways of drawing nearer to the heart of God. So, whoever you are and whatever has brought you to this moment at this time, we welcome you in our journey to a deeper life in God.
Things to know
- Directions to St. Stephen's Church
- Accessibility
- Parking is free in our lot at the corner of Somerset and Grove; some street parking is available.
- All services take place in the church unless otherwise indicated.
- Information about the nursery available below
Nursery care during Holy Week
The nursery is located on the lower level of the parish house and is available for children ages 4 and younger. will be available on Good Friday, March 29, from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, parents may attend the Liturgy for Good Friday at noon and Stations of the Cross afterwards, either self-directed or guided.
The nursery is also available on Palm Sunday and Easter Day during the usual Sunday hours, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5–7 p.m.
Livestreams
- Sunday services (Palm Sunday, Easter) will be livestreamed here.
- Morning Prayer is livestreamed here.
- Other services (Maundy Thursday, Overnight Vigil, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) will be livestreamed at the bottom of this page.
Parish suppers and other activities
There is no Wednesday supper during Holy Week. If you are in a small group or class, check with your convener about whether you will meet during Holy Week.
The Sunday supper will take place during Holy Week.
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday, March 24
7:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist: Rite One (note that this is earlier than the usual "early" service on Sundays)
9:00 a.m.*, Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in Palmer Hall and in the main church; all gather outdoors at the Three Chopt entrance for the Liturgy of the Palms, then go to their respective worship spaces for the reading of the Passion gospel and Holy Eucharist
No Sunday school or Forum on Palm Sunday or Easter
11:15 a.m.*, Holy Eucharist: Rite Two; gather outdoors for the Liturgy of the Palms; we move indoors for the reading of the Passion gospel and Holy Eucharist
5:30 p.m.*, Celtic Evensong and Communion
6:30 p.m., Sunday Community Supper in Large Fellowship Hall
8:00 p.m., Compline
The Liturgy of the Palms
We begin the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services outside.
Prior to the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services, all gather outdoors at the Three Chopt entrance to the church. After reading the Gospel for the Liturgy of the Palms, we process to our services:
At 9 a.m., those worshiping in Palmer Hall are led to the remainder of their service by Oslick the donkey and the Palmer Hall crucifer. Those worshiping in the main church will enter the church behind the Palmer Hall procession.
At 11:15 a.m. we will follow the same pattern of gathering outdoors, then processing into the church together (though there is no donkey for the 11:15 service).
Monday through Friday
Morning Prayer and Communion, 8:10 a.m. | Read about the Daily Office here | Livestream
No Wonderful Wednesdays supper during Holy Week
Maundy Thursday, March 28
5:30 p.m., Agape Meal in the Fellowship Hall (read more)
7:30 p.m., Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar followed by all-night vigil (read more)
Good Friday, March 29
8:10 a.m., Morning Prayer and Communion from the reserved sacrament
Noon, Liturgy for Good Friday
Parish office and May Fair House close at noon
Stations of the Cross, following the conclusion of the Liturgy for Good Friday
The Stations of the Cross is a local adaptation of a custom observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death. By following in Jesus’ steps, listening intently to his final words, and entering into some of the most poignant moments of his last days, our own connection with the story of Jesus’ passion deepens. Youth have long had a role in leading this service. Our approach shifted last year to make it possible for more people to participate in the service. We now mark the 14 stations throughout the nave (the church) with framed prints by Laura James, a renowned self-taught artist whose sacred art draws on the rich tradition of Ethiopian iconography. The stations will be put in place following the conclusion of the Liturgy for Good Friday and will remain in place throughout the afternoon into the early evening.
- From about 1:30 p.m. (depending on what time the Good Friday service ends), people may take self-guided tours of the stations using booklets provided in the church.
- At 2 p.m., clergy will lead the Stations. (This takes about 45 minutes)
- At 4 p.m., there will be a musical offering featuring Sanctuary, our Compline choir, and our organists. During this time (about an hour), people may sit or kneel in pews in silence.
- At 6 p.m., youth will lead the Stations (This takes about 45 minutes).
- The church will close at 7 p.m. on Good Friday.
Questions
804.288.2867
Livestreams and bulletins
Bulletin for Maundy Thursday service, 7:30 p.m. | Bulletin for the Liturgy for Good Friday, noon | Good Friday Musical Offering Program, 4 p.m.