WORSHIP SERVICES DURING LENT

The season of Lent is a time for spiritual discernment and renewal. As an aid to you for your Lenten disciplines, we have put together worship services that we believe will help you in your journey. We invite you to join us for any or all of these liturgies. Father Perry is always available to discuss with you ways you can “keep a holy Lent.”

We want to make our worship services available to all of our parishioners!
Therefore parishioners needing rides to any of our services or any persons who are willing to offer rides to parishioners in need of them are urged to contact Kathy Kniep (860-295-1251)
or call the parish office (860-228-3244).

Sunday morning Eucharists:
Simplicity and solemnity without decoration or distraction conveys the spirit of our Lenten worship. During Lent our services begin with the Penitential Order (including the recitation of the Ten Commandments and the Confession). No “alleluias” are said and a “Prayer over the People” replaces the blessing at the end of the service. Worship music includes meditative chants, instrumental offerings and hymns that inspire a prayerful atmosphere. The simplicity of the service reflects the starkness of the church, where no flowers or decorations are found. We hope these changes will help create a climate of worship suitable for reflection, repentance and renewal of spirit.

The Liturgy of Healing: During our Lenten journey we are urged to confess our weaknesses and our failures as a way of opening ourselves up to be strengthened by God’s healing love. The healing liturgy is a sacramental rite that allows us to claim this gift from God. The service is a simple one that consists of a few prayers, the laying on of hands and the anointing with “healing oil.” It will be offered at the end of every service of Holy Eucharist throughout Lent. Those who wish to participate will be invited to come to the front of the church following each service for a brief time of silent meditation before the service begins.
 
Thursday Evenings 7 p.m.: The Way of the Cross and Eucharist with Healing Liturgy:
During Lent, Thursday evening worship services will begin with “The Way of the Cross” (a.k.a. “Stations of the Cross”) that allows us to reflect upon Jesus’ trial, condemnation, journey to the cross and crucifixion. The service will continue with a healing liturgy and Communion. This quiet service is ideal for prayerful contemplation of our relationship with God and for seeking God’s strengthening love to renew our lives.

The Sacrament of Confession: One of the sacraments of the Episcopal Church is The Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent, otherwise known as Confession. Unlike the general confession that we use as part of our worship services, this rite is designed to be a private confession between an individual and a priest. Note that the privacy of a sacramental confession is a moral absolute for the priest who hears confession, and must under no circumstances be violated. If you would like more information about this sacrament or if you would like to set up a time for confession, you may contact Father Perry through the church office.