Holy Week at Saint James
Holy Week at Saint James' Episcopal Church of Texarkana is a profound and meaningful journey through the most important days of the Christian faith, commemorating the events leading to Christ's crucifixion and glorious resurrection.
Our traditional services offer an opportunity to worship in the same patterns as our ancient Christian brethren, inviting all generations to experience the transformative love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you have ever been curious about the Episcopal Church, or are simply seeking a more traditional, timeless style of worship, join us in these sacred observances and join your devotions with ours as we worship the risen Lord.
The Sunday of the Passion -
Palm Sunday
Today, we worship and remember Christ's triumphal entry into the holy city of Jerusalem to the cries of Hosanna!, as he was adored and welcomed by the crowds.
Said Mass begins at 8:00 A.M.
Palm Gospel, Procession, and Choral Mass begins at 10:00 A.M.
The Monday in Holy Week
This day recalls Christ's cursing of the fig tree, and his entry into and cleansing of the the Temple from the money-changers and others defiling the Temple's sacred precincts. These are to remind us of the perils of being spiritually fruitless, and are a call to reverence and repentance.
Holy Eucharist begins at 5:30 P.M in the Chapel.
The Wednesday in Holy Week -
"Spy Wednesday"
Spy Wednesday marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' final days. This day recalls Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Christ to the temple authorities, prompting us to reflect on loyalty and sacrifice.
Holy Euchrist begins at 5:30 P.M. in the Chapel.
The Triduum
The Three Great Days
The Triduum, also called the "Three Great Days" are a single continuing liturgy commemorating the finals days of Jesus' earthly ministry, his crucifixion, and his lying the tomb.
These Masses are some of the most solemn and meaningful in the Church year.
Maundy Thursday
On this day, Our Lord Jesus Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his Disciples, instituted the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist, prayed in the Garden, and was betrayed over into the hands of the temple authorities.
This service also includes the "Maundy", the washing of the feet by our Clergy, in commemoration of Christ washing the feet of the Disciples. It concludes with the powerful and emotional Stripping of the Altar.
Mass begins at 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel
Good Friday
The Triduum service continues Friday evening with the Proper Liturgy of Good Friday. Here, we recall Christ's condemnation by the same crowd who only days earlier welcomed him with shouts of praise, his trial before Pontius Pilate, and his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans.
Join us at 12:10 PM in the Church for Stations of the Cross, a medieval devotional practice that recalls Christ's journey to the Cross through fourteen different short meditations and prayers.
The Proper Liturgy of Good Friday begins at 7:00 P.M. in the Church.
Holy Saturday -
The Great Vigil of Easter
The Great Vigil of Easter is the final portion of the Triduum Liturgy, and is the first and the principal Mass of Easter at Saint James. Join us as we begin in darkness recalling the absence of Christ from the world, the prophecies of his coming, the kindling of the Easter Fire, the first Alleluia of Easter,and his triumphant return from the grave and his revelation to the women at the grave in the early morning.
Following the Vigil Mass, we will break our Lenten Fast with a communal meal in the Great Hall. All are welcome!
The Sunday of the Resurrection -
Easter Day
Our Holy Week commemorations conclude with the joyous acclamation "Alleluia, Christ is Risen!". Join us as we celebrate Christ's triumph of death and the grave, and his resurrection.
Said Mass begins at 8:00 A.M.
Easter Egg hunt for Children at 9:00 A.M.
Choral Mass begins at 10:00 A.M.