The Third Sunday of Easter
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter invite us to move from the confusion of the Crucifixion to the clarity of the Resurrection. This week, we focus on the transformative power of encountering the Risen Christ in our daily journeys and through the breaking of the bread.
Midweek Mass
Hadewijch of Brabant was a 13th-century Flemish Beguine whose writings redefined the relationship between the soul and the divine through the lens of "Minne" (mystical Love). As a master of Middle Dutch, she utilized the language of courtly poetry to describe a spiritual journey that was as agonizing as it was ecstatic, emphasizing that one must fully embrace the humanity of Christ to experience His divinity. Her legacy persists as a profound testament to feminine intellectual and spiritual authority, bridging the gap between rigorous theology and the raw, passionate longing of the human heart.
The Second Sunday of Easter
“How was your week?” For many of us, the honest answer is “hard.” But this Sunday, we’re setting aside the "misery marathon" to celebrate a Living Hope that doesn't fade when life gets difficult.
Join us at The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist for the Second Sunday of Easter. We’ll be diving into the first letter of Peter to explore how faith—even when tested by fire—remains more precious than gold.
Whether you are a longtime member, a "resident alien" looking for a home, or just in need of a little bit of Easter joy, there is a place for you in the family of God.
Resurrection Sunday
The tomb is empty, and the world is made new! Join us at Saint John’s as we celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the feast of feasts, filled with festive music, radiant flowers, and the joyful proclamation that love has conquered death.
What to Expect:
The Festive High Mass: A grand celebration of the Holy Eucharist with all the "Alleluia"s we’ve saved up throughout Lent.
The Easter Proclamation: We join our voices in the ancient cry: Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Music of Triumph: Our choir and organ will lead us in soaring hymns and anthems that capture the victory of the day.
The Paschal Candle: The Great Candle, first lit at the Vigil, takes its place of honor, reminding us of the light that never goes out.
The Great Vigil of Easter
The wait is over! Tonight at Saint John’s, we celebrate the Great Vigil of Easter, the pinnacle of the Church year. This is the night we pass from the darkness of death into the glorious light of the Resurrection.
Experience the ancient beauty and joy of the most significant liturgy in the Christian tradition.
What to Expect:
The Service of Light: We begin in darkness, lighting the New Fire and the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.
The Liturgy of the Word: We journey through the history of salvation, hearing the stories of God’s faithfulness from the beginning of time.
The Renewal of Baptismal Vows: We celebrate our own rebirth in Christ through the waters of baptism.
The First Eucharist of Easter: With the joyful shout of "Alleluia!", we celebrate the Risen Lord at the altar for the first time this season!
Liturgy of the Passion: Good Friday
Join us today at Saint John’s for the most solemn day of the Christian year. On Good Friday, we gather to remember the crucifixion of Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice for the world.
This is a day of deep reflection, silence, and prayer as we stand at the foot of the Cross.
What to Expect:
The Liturgy of the Passion: A solemn reading of the Gospel of John, tracing the journey from Gethsemane to Calvary.
The Solemn Intercessions: We offer prayers for the whole world, for the Church, and for all in need.
The Veneration of the Cross: A powerful moment to personally reflect on the mystery of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
A Sanctuary in Silence: We depart in silence, as the world waits in the stillness of the tomb.
Maundy Thursday
Join us this evening at Saint John’s as we enter the Paschal Triduum, the most sacred three days of the Christian year.
Maundy Thursday marks the night of the Last Supper, where Jesus gave us two enduring gifts: the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Mandatum—the "New Commandment" to love one another as he has loved us.
What to Expect Tonight:
The Washing of Feet: Following the humble example of Christ, we participate in this moving ritual of service and humility.
The Last Supper: We celebrate the first Eucharist, remembering the bread broken and the wine poured out for all.
The Stripping of the Altar: At the conclusion of the service, the sanctuary is stripped bare in silence, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Watch: Following the service, we begin our silent vigil, "watching and praying" as we prepare for the solemnity of Good Friday.
Spy Wednesday
As we reach the midpoint of Holy Week, join us at Saint John’s for our Spy Wednesday Spoken Mass.
Why "Spy" Wednesday? This day traditionally marks the moment in the Gospel narrative when Judas Iscariot met with the religious authorities to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It is a day of deep interior reflection, where we acknowledge the shadows of betrayal and human frailty that lead us toward the events of the Triduum.
The Service
Our Wednesday liturgy is a Said Mass (Spoken), offering a quiet, contemplative atmosphere amidst the increasing intensity of Holy Week. Without the addition of music or hymns, the focus remains entirely on the power of the Word and the stillness of the Eucharist. It is an ideal time to pause, pray, and center your heart before we enter the sacred "Three Days" starting tomorrow evening.
Palm Sunday
Join us at Saint John’s as we begin the holiest week of the Christian year! On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna!"
It is a day of mixed emotions—both the immense joy of his welcome and the solemn reminder of what is to come on Good Friday.
Celebrate with Us:
8:45 AM: The Palm Procession 🌿
Our celebration begins outside [Insert location details, e.g., on the steps of the Church/at the Parish Hall]. We will gather for the Blessing of Palms and then, led by music and a joyful procession, walk together into the sanctuary, waving our palms in triumph.
9:00 AM: The Holy Eucharist (Sung Mass) 🎺
The procession culminates as we enter the Church for the celebration of High Mass. The liturgy shifts after the greeting, as we transition from the triumphant palms to the dramatic chanting of the entire Passion narrative. This is a profound moment to experience the duality of the day.
The Feast of the Annunciation
This Feast of the Annunciation, we celebrate the moment the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.
Mary's humble "yes" to God's plan forever changed the world, bringing light and hope to humanity. Join us at Saint John’s in honoring this profound mystery of faith, as we reflect on God’s grace and the power of obedient love.
All are welcome to share in this celebration.
Sung Mass: The Third Sunday in Lent
The Third Sunday of Lent marks a transition into the "Scrutinies"—a period of deep reflection often used for those preparing for Baptism. The focus shifts to the fundamental human need for God, illustrated through the story of The Woman at the Well.
Sung Mass: The Second Sunday in Lent
While we all face cancellation and disruption to our daily lives due to weather, the story of Nicodemus is particularly resonant. He sought Jesus in the darkness and quiet, much like the stillness we find when hunkered down during a storm. It is a perfect moment to ask: In the "night" of our own lives, how is the Spirit moving us toward the light?