We have begun our Lenten journey.

The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection; known as The Paschal (Sacred) Triduum:  Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and The Great Vigil of Easter. Over time, it became the custom of the Church to prepare for these days by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.  It was also a time when those who because of sin had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by repentance and forgiveness. Thereby, the whole congregation was aware of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior.

We are invited you, in the name of the Church, to an observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and acts of charity; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. 

For disciple of our God, this way of observing Lent becomes a way of life.  After all that is what Jesus asked his disciple to do.

Our "Lenten" life will lead us once again to the Easter feast, whereby, we will renew our Baptismal commitment which promise new and everlasting life. 

We do not strive for holiness because the world exp ects it, but rather because a closer relationship with God will be our reward.

Lenten Practices

Acts of Charity:

Volunteer with St. Mark's and ECS on Maundy Thursday!
Thursday, April 9, 2020, 8-11am or 11:15am-2:15pm

St. Mark's Episcopal Church and Episcopal Community Services (ECS) are hosting a joint Maundy Thursday event for St. Mark's homeless neighbors and ECS clients.

The day will include meals, showers, new shoes for guests, foot washing, and more. Volunteers are needed to help with greeting and registering guests, serving meals, distributing shoes and other items, washing feet, and other tasks which help the event run smoothly.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church -  4227 Fairmount Ave., San Diego

If you are interested in volunteering, please find a flyer and sign up sheet in the Narthex.

If you have any question, please speak with Norma Dunn

Fasting:

You are invited to consider the words of Pope Francis how they may become part of your daily life.

Lent:  Week 1

Opening Devotions

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.   Amen.

      Lord, have mercy.

     Christ, have mercy.

     Lord, have mercy.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those 

who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. 

V.      We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ:

R.      In whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, 

that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts,  whereby you have given us life and immortality; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

First Station

Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, 

with the elders and scribes,  and the whole council, held a consultation; 

and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate.

And they all condemned him and said, "He deserves to die."

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out 

and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, 

but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 

Then he handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

V.     God did not spare his own Son:

R.      But delivered him up for us all.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,  and entered not into glory before he was crucified: 

Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, 

may find it none other than the way of life and peace; 

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.   Amen.

      Holy God,

     Holy and Mighty, 

     Holy Immortal One, 

     Have mercy upon us.

Reflection:

Do you find it difficult to accept that Jesus is a Messiah who must suffer and die?

Have you experienced insult, slander or words that have condemned you?

Second Station

Jesus takes up his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the

place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.

Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he

suffered. Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a

sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he opened not his

mouth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power

and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and

blessing.

V.     The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all:

R.      For the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony 

and shame of the cross for our redemption: 

Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; 

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.   Amen.

      Holy God,

     Holy and Mighty, 

     Holy Immortal One, 

     Have mercy upon us.

Reflection:

Do you find it difficult to accept that Jesus' disciples must also travel this road?

What is happening in your life at the moment that involves carrying the cross?