St. Paul's Episcopal Church Oakland
  • Home
  • Worship
    • Worship Ministries
    • Lent & Easter 2026 >
      • Stations of the Cross
    • Compline
    • Evensong
    • Choir
    • Confirmation
    • Baptism
  • Music
    • Concerts
    • St. Paul's Austin Organ
  • Ministries
    • Children & Youth
    • Food Pantry
    • Guns to Gardens
    • Social Justice
    • Environmental Stewardship >
      • Growing Milkweed
    • Loaves & Fishes
    • Oasis
  • Resources
    • Newsletter
    • History Book
    • Concert Venue
    • Weddings
    • Streamed Services >
      • Daily Messages
    • Community
    • Readings & Rota
    • Calendar
    • Downloads
  • About
    • Staff
    • Vestry
    • History
  • Contact
  • GIVE
    • Narrative Budget
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Giving FAQs
    • Legacy Society

Lent & Easter 2026

We do not know how to pray, but the Spirit itself prays within us.  - Romans 8:26

LENT, HOLY WEEK & EASTER SCHEDULE

Picture
Shrove Tuesday, February 17
St. Paul's Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
​6:00-8:00 p.m.

In the Parish Hall (116 Montecito, St. Paul's House, next door to the church)


COME ONE, COME ALL! 
We’ll serve a traditional Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner with bacon, vegan sausage, coffee & juice and all the pancakes you can eat! There is always a gluten free pancake option.
 
Come join the fun and go flippin' crazy! 
​

Suggested donation $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for kids. 

COME JOIN THE FUN AND GO FLIPPIN' CRAZY!


Picture
Ash Wednesday
February 18
​

Holy Eucharist 12:10 p.m.

​Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist, with imposition of ashes and Eucharist, marking the beginning of Lent.
ASHES TO GO will follow the service.​


Choral Eucharist 7:00 p.m
​Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist, with imposition of ashes and Eucharist, marking the beginning of Lent.
​With St. Paul's Choir.
 
With St. Paul's Choir. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music and Organist.


Weekdays (Mon-Fri) until Holy Week
12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
In the Chapel.
​Rite I, Book of Common Prayer.

Picture
Wednesday Lent Program
until Holy Week

7:00 p.m. via Zoom

DISRUPTING POWER: 
Turning Over Tables


Pastor Kathy Escobar guides a Lenten journey inspired by the ways of Jesus to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice. From flipping the moneychangers’ tables in the temple to uplifting the poor and marginalized, Jesus’ actions and words turn the world’s idea of power on its head. 
​
Each Wednesday of Lent, we will dig deeper into Jesus’ challenge to the pervasive influence of privilege and oppression that have dominated since ancient times.

Through poignant reflections and thought-provoking practices, will try to discover how we can harness the disruptive power of Jesus’ teachings to effect meaningful change in our communities and beyond. Together, we can turn the tables and build a world where justice, healing, and greater equity reigns supreme. 

February 18: Enter and Open 
February 25: Reveal 
March 4: Lament 
March 11: Repent 
March 18: Disrupt 
March 25: Cultvate 
​
This will be a Zoom only event: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82758489360?pwd=PocpU85xbudkbUXeoG1sLm7RPPYC6u.1 


Picture
Fridays until Easter

Stations of the Cross

Recall the final hours of Jesus’ life. Details are HERE

6:30 p.m. on Fridays Feb 27 through March 27
​

3:00 p.m. on Good Friday, April 3, after the Good Friday Service.

You are welcome to observe and walk the Stations of the Cross on your own at any time the church is open.


Sundays until Easter
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

​In the church.
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
Rite I, Book of Common Prayer.


10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist
In the church.
Rite I, Book of Common Prayer.
​
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
With St. Paul's Choir. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music.

10:00 a.m. Children's Programs in-person
Mustard Seeds for younger children. In the Bride's Room.
Faith Quest for ages 12 and under. Ask an usher for location.
​
​


Picture
11:45 a.m. Sunday Lenten Conversation in-person

FORGIVENESS, By Marjorie J. Thompson 
Sundays after the 10 am service in the Chapter Room.

Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all Christian believers. Lent, a time to reflect on our Christian journey, is an appropriate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. Marjorie J. Thompson, author of the best-selling book Soul Feast, takes a close look at our un-derstanding of forgiveness in this encouraging study. In six brief chapters, Thompson addresses such questions as the following:  

• Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances? Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive?  

• Is forgiveness a matter between individuals, or is it meaningful only in the context of communities?  

• Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured?  

• How do we get past emotional barriers to real for-giveness?  

Using biblical examples and real-life situations, Thompson illustrates each chapter's theme in an informative and en-gaging way. 

February 22: Beginnings: A kinship appeal  
March 1: Self-Examination: Prelude to forgiveness  
March 8: Honesty: Engaging the inner struggle  
March 15: Repentance: Getting a new mind  
March 22: Forgiving: Embracing freedom  
March 29: Beginning Again: Reconciliation and restoration  

The book is available in hardcopy with Deacon England or online, on Kindle, and in audio formats.


Picture
4:00 p.m. EVENSONG
Sunday, March 8 (Second Sundays)

Sung prayers as the evening comes. 
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
​
With St. Paul's Choir, Organ. Benjamin Bachmann, Director of Music and Organist.
​

Brick church congregation outside on the street processing toward the entry
8:00 p.m. COMPLINE
Sunday, Feb 22, Mar 22 (Fourth Sundays)

Prayers for the end of the day. 
​With St. Paul's Choir. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music.


Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday March 29

Brick church congregation outside on the street processing toward the entry
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
With reading of the Passion Gospel. 

10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist
With fanfare procession and reading of the Passion Gospel.
Gather outside before the service.

Special Guest Choir: Girls Choir of St. Catharine's College Cambridge


We are delighted to announce the return of the renowned St. Catharine’s College Girls’ Choir from Cambridge, England, to St. Paul’s for this special service.

The service begins outside, as we commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna." Processing back into the church, the Passion Gospel will be read by clergy and members of the parish.

The young, very talented musicians of St. Catharine’s College Girls’ Choir will join St. Paul’s Choir in this moving service that marks one of the most significant days in the church calendar. Together, the choirs will enhance worship through choral music and hymns, adding a special touch to the solemn observances of the day, and mark the start of Holy Week.
Music by Thomas Weelkes, Palestrina, James Turle, after Henry Purcell, Josef Rheingberger, and Anton Bruckner. Hymns:154, 458.

The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
St. Paul's Choir, Organ. Ben Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music and Organist.
St. Catharine’s College Girls' Choir, Cambridge, England. Dr. Edward Wickham, Director.

29 March 2026 Holy Eucharist Year A Palm Sunday
Introit: Hosanna to the Son of David   Thomas Weelkes
Mass: Kyrie-S-84, Sanctus S-116, Agnus Dei-S-159
Gradual Psalm: 31:9-16
Offertory Anthem: Adoramus te, Christe   Claudio Monteverdi
Communion Motet: Christus factus est      Claudio Anerio
Hymns:154,160,458


Holy Monday
March 30

12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
In the Chapel, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.


Holy Tuesday
March 31

No services today. All clergy will be at Grace Cathedral.

Holy Wednesday
April 1

12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
In the Chapel, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.

Picture
7:00 p.m. TENEBRAE
A Service of Shadows

In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE

Tenebrae is a solemn Christian service that combines motets, psalms, scripture readings, and responsories, marked by the gradual extinguishing of candles on a special candelabrum called a hearse. As each part of the service concludes, candles are snuffed out, until the church is left in complete darkness, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by his followers and the approaching darkness of his death. A final candle—representing Christ—is hidden, then returned, hinting at the resurrection.

This service is known for its haunting music, featuring Gregorian chant, polyphonic motets, and its reflective, almost theatrical atmosphere.


The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
​A Cappella with Choir. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music.


Maundy Thursday
April 2

Picture
12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.

7:00 p.m. MAUNDY THURSDAY LITURGY
The Last Supper and New Commandment

In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE

The Thursday in Holy Week marks the beginning of the Triduum, the sacred three days leading to Easter. The name “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum novum, meaning “new commandment,” recalling Jesus’ words in John 13:34:“Love one another as I have loved you.”
​
On this night, we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. The service concludes with the stripping of the altar, a powerful symbol of Christ’s betrayal and abandonment.

The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
With Choir, Organ. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music, Organist.


Good Friday
April 3


Noon-3:00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY - THE THREE HOURS
The Passion of Christ

Large wooden cross lying on its side in front of a church altar
In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
The second part of the Triduum, the Good Friday liturgy is a time of fasting, abstinence, and penitence, centered on the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. This solemn liturgy includes The Passion Gospel, Veneration of the Cross, and Meditations on the Seven Last Words of Jesus.

The service invites deep reflection on the mystery of the crucifixion through scripture, prayer, silence, and sacred music.

​The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
A Cappella with Choir. Ben Bachmann, FAGO, MMusic, Director of Music.

3:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross
Recall the final hours of Jesus' life

Immediately following the noon service.
In the Church,
or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE

Holy Saturday
April 4

8:00 p.m. THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER
Kindling of New Fire, Exsultet, Baptisms

Picture
In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE

The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the most powerful and meaningful services in the Christian year. It marks the beginning of Easter—a journey from darkness into light, from death into life—and takes place at sunset on the night before Easter Sunday.

We begin outside the church, gathering around a newly kindled fire. A large candle, called the Paschal Candle, is lit—symbolizing hope and the light of Christ. Holding our own candles, we process into the darkened church, following the flame, as a hauntingly beautiful chant called the Exsultet is sung by our deacon.

Inside, we hear ancient stories from the Bible—tales of creation, liberation, and promise—woven together with music and quiet prayer. These sacred stories remind us of God’s presence and love through history. This is also a time of baptism and renewal of spiritual commitments, a celebration of new beginnings and fresh start for all.

The service builds to a moment of great joy: the return of the word “Alleluia”, which has been silent throughout Lent. The lights come up, the music swells, and we gather around the table to celebrate Holy Communion, rejoicing in the mystery and wonder of the Resurrection.

The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
With Choir, Organ. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Music Director and Organist. 


Easter Sunday
April 5

CHRIST IS RISEN!
Celebrate with us!


8:00 a.m. HOLY EUCHARIST
In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
Rite II, BCP.

10:00 a.m. FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST
In the Church, or watch the stream on our Facebook Group page HERE
Rite II, BCP.

Join us for a joyful and music-filled Easter celebration as we proclaim the Resurrection together!

Sing along to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus (bring your score!).
Lift your voice for your favorite Easter hymns.
All children’s programs will be available—bring the whole family!
​
Come one, come all—everyone is welcome!
Let’s fill the church with joy, music, and new life this Easter Sunday!

​
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
​With Choir, Organ. Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Director of Music.


10:00 a.m. Children's Programs
Bring your children for Easter!
​
All programs for children will be available today.

Mustard Seeds for younger children: in the Bride's Room.
Faith Quest for ages 12 and under: ask an usher for location.


An Easter Egg Fair and Festive Brunch will follow the service.

All are welcome!

at St. Paul's, All Are welcome.

Give Today
Email Sign Up
For Email Newsletters you can trust.

114 Montecito Avenue Oakland, CA 94610   |   510 834 4314   |   [email protected]
Our baptismal vow is to seek and serve Christ in others.
  • Home
  • Worship
    • Worship Ministries
    • Lent & Easter 2026 >
      • Stations of the Cross
    • Compline
    • Evensong
    • Choir
    • Confirmation
    • Baptism
  • Music
    • Concerts
    • St. Paul's Austin Organ
  • Ministries
    • Children & Youth
    • Food Pantry
    • Guns to Gardens
    • Social Justice
    • Environmental Stewardship >
      • Growing Milkweed
    • Loaves & Fishes
    • Oasis
  • Resources
    • Newsletter
    • History Book
    • Concert Venue
    • Weddings
    • Streamed Services >
      • Daily Messages
    • Community
    • Readings & Rota
    • Calendar
    • Downloads
  • About
    • Staff
    • Vestry
    • History
  • Contact
  • GIVE
    • Narrative Budget
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Giving FAQs
    • Legacy Society