In baptism we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as “Christ’s own forever.” This Lent, St. Paul’s is going to focus on our Baptismal Covenant [BCP, pp. 304-5], the beliefs and promises made at baptism that shape our whole Christian life. Such renewal, going to the core of Christian life and practice, is the most ancient meaning of Lent, and it will prepare the parish for the next chapter in its ministry with the arrival of its new rector. The parish Lent program has five components:
- Sunday Forums: Each Sunday in Lent, beginning Feb. 22, we will explore an element of our Baptismal Covenant during the Sunday Forum at 10:20 a.m. in the Chapel. A short lecture on a part of the Covenant will frame small group discussion.
- Personal Devotion: Following on each of the Sunday Forums, parishioners will be prompted to write, listen, and pray to deepen their connection with the Baptismal Covenant and the upcoming Sunday worship. To mark the season of Lent, parishioners will also be invited to define for themselves a meaningful fast from food and/or digital technology.
- Parish Quiet Day: On March 14, noted retreat leader and spiritual director Kristen Leigh Mitchell is going to lead a Quiet Day retreat at St. Paul’s: Returning to God: Rest, Repentance and Resistance. Learn more here.
- Wednesday Eucharists: Every other week, starting with Ash Wednesday, we will gather with special devotion to celebrate our Lord’s saving gift of himself. Noon in the Church and 7 p.m. in the Chapel on February 18, March 4 and March 18.
- Holy Week Liturgies: Lent culminates with Holy Week — Palm Sunday, March 29 through Easter on April 5. In a succession of ancient rituals and special liturgies almost as old as Christianity itself, the parish will journey with Jesus through his passion and death and into his resurrection on Easter morning. Learn more about Holy Week at St. Paul’s.