Lent

Lent is a 40-day observance beginning with Ash Wednesday where Episcopalians and Christians around the world acknowledge their failings, faults and sins. On Ash Wednesday, Clergy impose ashes on worshipers’ forehead, making the sign of the cross. The liturgical color of the season is purple. The color purple represents the penitent mood of Lent.

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Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday, March 4, 2025
5-7:30 p.m.
Bagby Parish Hall

All Parishioners are invited to attend this family gathering, which includes a traditional pancake dinner, red beans and rice, live entertainment, children’s activities and prizes.

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Ash Wednesday Services

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
The first day of Lent is a special day of Holy Obligation that begins a 40-day observance where Christians around the world acknowledge their failings, faults and sins. In these somber services, Clergy will impose ashes on your forehead, making the mark of the cross.

Traditional Worship
Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes*
7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.
The Church

Riverway Contemporary Service
Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes*
6:30 p.m.
Parish Life Center

*NOTE: The ashes are made from 2023 palm crosses.

Student Ministries Ash Wednesday Supper
and Riverway Eucharist Service with Imposition of Ashes
5:30 p.m.
Student Life Center, Dinner
Parish Life Center, Program

Join our Student Ministers for a light soup supper followed by worship at the Riverway Ash Wednesday service in the Parish Life Center.

Stations of the Cross

Sundays, before and after the morning services.

Wednesdays, March 12 - April 12 
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Holy Week
Monday-Thursday, April 14-18
11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Good Friday, March 19
11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 p.m.

Parishioners and guests are invited to make their pilgrimage along the Via Dolorosa, or “Way of Sorrows,” during Lent and Holy Week 2024. The Stations of the Cross depict the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus and the devotion commemorating the Passion.

For more information, contact Barbara Piana at 713-830-4116 or [email protected].

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Lenten Quiet Day

Lenten Quiet Day is a reflective day of prayer, meditation and contemplation. This day is central to St. Martin’s Lent traditions and is sponsored by St. Martin's Chapter of OSL.

Saturday, March 8, 2025
9 a.m.-noon
Parish Life Center

Grace is one of those tricky words that means more than one thing. It is God’s undeserved favor and a quality of God. It is power given for day-to-day living; yet, as a gift, grace cannot be a prize for which we grasp or achieve. And it is in Lent each year that we encounter anew our need for grace, no matter its definition, as we soberly reflect on our lives.

St. Martin’s Clergy will meditate on three different of Jesus’ parables on grace. Time is allocated after each presentation for quiet prayer and reflection. The Quiet Day will end with Noonday Prayer.

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A Very Special
Lenten Retreat

Icon Writing with Teresa Harrison

Monday–Thursday, March 24-27
8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

Friday, March 28
8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Teresa Harrison returns to St. Martin’s to lead a course in the ancient technique of icon writing. This year, retreatants will work on a new icon, “Jesus as the Good Shepherd.” One of the most familiar of the Gospel of John’s seven “I AM” word pictures Jesus used to describe his ministry to the world, Jesus the Good Shepherd is a perfect icon to write during the 40 days of Lent when we grow more aware of the love and sacrifice Jesus made for all.

This retreat includes Eucharist, chant, prayer, silence and lively conversation, free time and social hours. Icons will be written in acrylic paint and gold leaf. Beginners and experienced iconographers will find this course rewarding.

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Palm Cross Workshop

Stripping of the Palms and Palm Cross Making
Friday, April 11
8 a.m.-4
 p.m.
Student Life Center

Join members of the Altar Guild as volunteers strip, divide the fronds and make palm crosses to distribute on Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday. This annual tradition is a fun and meaningful time of fellowship and service. Come and go as you can and please bring scissors.