St. Paul's Episcopal Church Oakland
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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

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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!


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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.

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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 


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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.
​
​


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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.


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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, MMus, FAGO, 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, MMus, FAGO, Director of Music.


Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday

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.

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 Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector.
St. Paul's Choir, Organ. Ben Bachmann, MMus, FAGO, Director of Music and Organist.

MUSIC: 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


Monday, March 30
Holy Monday

12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.


Tuesday, March 31
Holy Tuesday

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

Wednesday, April 1
Holy Wednesday

12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.
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7:00 p.m. TENEBRAE
A Service of Shadows


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, MMus, FAGO, Director of Music.


MUSIC for 1 April 2026 Tenebrae
First Nocturne:
Antiphon 1: Psalm 69    Tone III.4
Lesson 1: Lamentations of Jeremiah      Plainchant
Response: In Monte Oliveti        Healey Willan (1880-1968)
Antiphon 2:Psalm 70     Tone VIII.8
Lesson 2: Lamentations      Plainchant
Response: Tristis est anima   Healey Willan
Antiphon 3: Psalm 74     Tone IV.4
Lesson 3: Lamentations     Plainchant
Response: Ecce vidimus    Healey Willan
Canticle 16: Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel    Tone II.2
Christus factus est   Felice Anerio  (1560?-1614)
Psalm 51      Chant:  Matthew Camidge        



Thursday, April 2
Maundy Thursday

12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Rite I, The Book of Common Prayer.
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7:00 p.m. MAUNDY THURSDAY LITURGY
The Last Supper and New Commandment


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, MMus, FAGO, Director of Music, Organist.

MUSIC 
2 April 2026 Maundy Thursday
Prelude:  Le Banquet Celeste           Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) 
Mass: Kyrie, Sanctus/Benedictus, Agnus Dei  Service in F Major    Harold Darke (1888-1976)
Gradual Psalm: 116:1, 10-17             Percy Buck
Anthem after the Sermon:   A new commandment  I give unto you                                               Richard Shephard (1941-2021)
Offertory Anthem: Ubi Caritas      Ola Gjeilo (1978-)
Communion Motet: Tantum ergo       Maurice Durufle (1902-1986)
Psalm 22                 Samuel Wesley; William Crotch
Hymns:302,LEVAS-36, 331


Friday, April 3
Good Friday

Large wooden cross lying on its side in front of a church altar
Noon-3:00 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY: THE THREE HOURS
The Passion of Christ

​
As 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 service focuses on the Passion through the Veneration of the Cross and meditations on the Seven Last Words, inviting deep reflection through scripture, silence, and sacred music.
​

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

MUSIC 
3 April 2026 Good Friday
Psalm 22                       Samuel Wesley; William Crotch
After the 1st word:
Vinea mea electa        Healey Willan (1880-1968)
(O my choicest vine)
After the 2nd word:
Velum templi      Healey Willan
(The veil of the temple were rent)
After the 3rd word:
Hymn 159: At the cross her vigil keeping      Stabat Mater dolores
After the Passion:
Hymn 168 O sacred head                       Herzlich tut mich verlangen
After the 4th word:
Lamentations of Jeremiah                          Edward C. Bairstow (1874-1946)
At the Veneration of the Cross:
Hymn 166: Sing my tongue the glorious battle    Pange Lingua
Reproaches           Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)
Faithful Cross!          John IV of Portugal (1604-1656)
After the 5th word:
Omnes amici mei   Healey Willan
(All my friends have forsaken me)
After the 6th word: 
H-171: Go to dark Gethsemane                 Petra
After the 7th word:
In manus tuas             John Sheppard (1515-1558)
After the confession: 
     Christus factus est                 Felice Anerio (1560?-1614)
At the end of the service: 
      H-172: Were you there?       Spiritual
​

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

Immediately following the noon service.

Saturday, April 4
Holy Saturday

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

​
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, MMus, FAGO, Music Director and Organist. 

MUSIC 4 April 2026 Great Vigil of Easter
Psalm 16: plainsong
Canticle 8: plainsong
Canticle 9: plainsong
Psalm 42: plainsong
Psalm 143: Samuel Wesley
Psalm 126: George Mursell Garrett
Psalm 114: Tonus peregrinus
Mass: Gloria S-278, Sanctus S-128, Agnus Dei S-165 
Offertory anthem: Ye choirs of new Jerusalem     Charles Villiers Stanford
Communion motet: This joyful Eastertide        Traditional arr. Charles Wood
Hymns: 205,194
Postlude




Sunday, April 5
Easter Sunday

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CHRIST IS RISEN! Celebrate with us!

8:00 a.m. HOLY EUCHARIST
Rite II, BCP.

10:00 a.m. FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST
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, MMus, FAGO, Director of Music.



Children's Easter Egg Fair and Festive Easter Brunch will follow the service.

All are welcome!


MUSIC 5 April 2026 Holy Eucharist Year A Easter DayPrelude: Sarabande for the morning of Easter    Herbert Howells
Mass: Gloria S-278, Sanctus S-128, Agnus Dei S-165 
Gradual Psalm:118: 1-2, 14-24     George Elvey
Offertory Anthem: Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem      Charles V. Stanford
Communion Motet: Hallelujah        G. F. Handel
Postlude: Toccata from Symphony V      Charles-Marie  Widor
Hymns: 207, 174, 200
​
Choir:
Soprano: Christine Dukey, Hallie Frazer, Kellie Marie Hickman, Carol Paxson, Diana Pray*, Jane Rosenblum, Leah Vass
Alto: Amy Kessler*, Vicki Larson, Sharon Pilmer
Tenor: Benjamin Brown*, Benyamin Chao, Ben Clausen, Elizabeth Jenkins, Richard Larson
​Bass: Charles Blue, Michael Crozier, William Davis, Mark Miles, Philip Saunders* 

Instrumentalists:
Dominic Favia    Trumpet
Paulo Avila        Trumpet
Chase Waterbury   Trombone
Kensey Chellis    Trombone
John Weeks        Timpani
Carole Klein        Contractor


11:30 a.m. FESTIVE EASTER BRUNCH
We invite everyone to join us for a joyful Easter Sunday Potluck Lunch immediately following the 10:00 AM service.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, share a meal, and enjoy fellowship on this special day.
If you’re able, please bring a favorite dish to share—savory or sweet. The Vestry will be providing ham, and all are welcome at the table.

​We look forward to celebrating the hope and joy of Easter with you.


at St. Paul's, All Are welcome.

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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
    • Compline
    • Evensong
    • Choir
    • Confirmation
    • Baptism
  • Music
    • Concerts
    • St. Paul's Austin Organ >
      • Organ History
  • 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
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    • Downloads
  • About
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    • History
  • Contact
  • GIVE
    • Narrative Budget
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