Each year on Ash Wednesday, Christians enter the season of Lent—a 40-day time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This six-week period helps us prepare for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we are called not only to read sacred Scripture (prayer), serve (give alms), and practice self-control (fast) but also to an inner conversion of heart by seeking to follow Christ's will more faithfully.
To help you get the most out of Lent 2025 and prepare for Easter in a powerful way, St. Gertrude Parish is offering a Lenten Mission (our first parish mission in years!), daily confession, Friday Stations of the Cross, and more. We invite you to join us for one, two, or all of these events—a sure way to begin this liturgical season right and have a life-changing Lent.
To help you get the most out of Lent 2025 and prepare for Easter in a powerful way, St. Gertrude Parish is offering a Lenten Mission (our first parish mission in years!), daily confession, Friday Stations of the Cross, and more. We invite you to join us for one, two, or all of these events—a sure way to begin this liturgical season right and have a life-changing Lent.
Lenten Parish Mission
Begin Lent Right
March 10-12
St. Gertrude Church | 7 p.m.
St. Gertrude Church | 7 p.m.
Many times, Lent catches us by surprise. This year, kickstart Lent by joining us for a powerful parish mission from Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P., that focuses on the theme, O Sacred Banquet: How St. Thomas Aquinas Can Help You Better Know and Love the Eucharist. There will also be a special opportunity to venerate a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis!
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9 4:30 p.m. (Vigil), 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m. Father Patrick will preach at all Sunday Masses. Monday, March 10
Tuesday, March 11
Wednesday, March 12
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Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, O.P., is the host of the popular Godsplaining podcast and the editor of Our Sunday Visitor.
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Stations of the Cross
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Fridays During Lent
St. Gertrude Church | 7 p.m. When was the last time you reflected on Jesus' agonizing and humiliating walk to his crucifixion? Have you contemplated Mary's suffering as she watched Roman soldiers beat her son—and then saw him die on the cross? Praying the Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a popular devotion during Lent and an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ death and the sacrifice he made for you and for all mankind. We invite you to meditate on 14 specific events of Jesus' passion and death by praying the Stations of the Cross with us on the following Fridays during Lent:
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Choral Tenebrae
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Wednesday, April 16
St. Gertrude Church | 8 p.m. For the second year in row, St. Gertrude Parish is having a Choral Tenebrae, also known as the Service of Darkness. This special liturgy is conducted in near darkness—the only source of light is a series of candles on the altar. After each portion of the liturgy, a candle is extinguished until the entire church is dark. Throughout the service, the choir will chant the great sorrowful psalms and lamentations from Scripture and motets that reflect upon the Passion. Our service at St. Gertrude Parish will include Dominican elements of Tenebrae and will be sung by the Capella and Novitiate Choir. Together, they will sing an extremely special and legendary piece: Gregorio Allegri’s famous setting of Psalm 51, Miserere mei. All are welcome to join us for this moving liturgy! |
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Holy Week & Easter Liturgies
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Sunday, April 13–Sunday, April 20, 2025
St. Gertrude Church April 13 | Palm Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m. Mass April 16 | Wednesday of Holy Week 8 p.m. Choral Tenebrae April 17 | Holy Thursday 8 a.m. Morning Prayer with Friars & Novices 7 p.m. Mass of Our Lord's Supper April 18 | Good Friday (No Mass) 8 a.m. Morning Prayer with Friars & Novices 3 p.m. Celebration of Our Lord's Passion (Communion Service) 7 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Entombment of Christ April 19 | Easter Vigil 8 a.m. Morning Prayer with Friars & Novices 8:45 a.m. Blessing of Easter Baskets 9 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass April 20 | Easter 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m. Mass |
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