Special Services

Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40-day season of Lent, begins a time of reflection and recommitment to our calling to follow Jesus. During this season of Lent we focus our minds and our hearts on reconnecting to Jesus, the one whose love for us makes our lives complete and full of life.  Self-examination, asking for forgiveness, self-denial and reading and meditation on God’s Holy Word, the Bible, can help us to focus and connect to God’s life giving Spirit.

At our Ash Wednesday services, those in the congregation are given the opportunity to come to the altar rail and have ashes placed on their foreheads as the clergy say these words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Here we are reminded that we are mortal and it is only through God’s gracious gift of Jesus, that we are given everlasting life.

Collect for Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen. 

Evensong is the ancient service of Vespers and continues to be sung daily in cathedrals throughout the world. The St. Paul’s Choir sings Evensong twice during the year-in the fall and in the spring.

The Saint Pauls Choir will sing Evensong at 5:30 pm in place of the Celtic Service, Sunday February 22. Daniel Hardin will be the guest organist, and the music will include Malcolm Archer’s Preces and Responses (composed for the 275th Anniversary of Saint Pauls Church), George Dyson’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C Minor, and Henry Purcell’s anthem, “Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts.”

A reception hosted by the parishioners of Saint Paul’s Church follows in the River Room.

The Annual Episcopal Visitation is Sunday, March 15. Bishop Logue will preside at the Holy Eucharist with the rite of Confirmation and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows for all members.

The Prayer Book notes Holy Baptism is especially appropriate on four dates: at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or All Saints’ Sunday, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism on Saturday, April 4, 2023 at the Great Vigil and on March 15 at the Bishop’s Annual Visitation. All who wish to be baptized are invited to contact Fr. Eric.

Collect for Baptism
Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin: Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in righteousness and holiness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.