Guide To Holy Week 2025

 

Welcome to Holy Week as we remember Jesus’ passion, death, and glorious resurrection. The three days preceding Easter—collectively known as the Triduum (Latin for “three days”)- designate the most sacred days in the church’s calendar: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. The liturgy during these three days is one extended service (thus, there are no dismissals in the Maundy Thursday or Good Friday liturgies).

Today is Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin “mandatum,” meaning “command.” It serves as a reminder of Jesus’s commandment, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Join us tonight at 7:00 as we remember Jesus’ command to “love one another” through the washing of feet. We recall and make present now the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The altar is stripped in preparation for the desolation of Good Friday, and we are invited to watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before the Blessed Sacrament at the altar.

Tomorrow, Good Friday (April 18 at 12:10 p.m.), we will journey with Jesus from his arrest to the cross, where he gives his life for our sins and the sins of the entire world. He then dies and is laid in the tomb. We will observe the veneration of the cross and join in solemn prayer for the church and all of humanity before taking communion together.

On Saturday at the Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.),  we will engage in the full sweep of salvation: creation, fall, redemption, and end (in resurrection and re-creation). We renew our baptismal covenant, where we die and rise with Jesus Christ. In this service, we move from darkness to light, rejoicing that in Jesus’ resurrection, life triumphs over death and makes all of creation new. Our celebration continues through the Eucharistic feast, where we partake of his body and blood so that we may live in him and he in us.

If you have never experienced the Easter Triduum, I hope you will journey with us this week. It is not an exaggeration to say that it will forever change how you approach Easter. Join us as we enter the drama of these holy days and walk with Jesus in the greatest story ever told—the story of our salvation.

May God richly bless you this Holy Week and always,

The Reverend Adam L. Dawkins

Rector

Join Us For Our Easter Egg Hunt! April 20th

Join Us In-Person For Our Ash Wednesday Services

Please Join Us, In-Person
To Celebrate Ash Wednesday
At 12:10pm, & 7:00pm!

 

Join Us Each Wednesday For Noon Day Eucharist

LA Wind Storm & Wildfire Resources

LA Wind Storm & Wildfire Resources

We, as a parish, are heartbroken by the devastating fires in LA County, and our prayers are with all who are impacted.

While California’s 37th Congressional District is not within the evacuation zone at this time, we understand that impacted individuals are seeking assistance.

Please see below for updates and resources.

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

  • Sign up for the City of LA’s emergency alert system, NotifyLA, here.
  • Sign up for Alert LA County emergency alerts here.
  • Sign up for the City of Culver City Emergency Alert Program here.
  • Additional local emergency alert systems for other municipalities in LA County can be found here.

Federal Resources

Through FEMA, fire management assistance is available to state, local, tribal and territorial governments. This assistance helps with mitigation, management, and control of fires. For more information visit here or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

LA County Resources

The Los Angeles County Emergency Incident Response website has been activated. This website provides a mapping tool and lists real-time evacuation, shelter, and other information/resources related to the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst wildfires.

City of LA Resources

The City of LA has compiled a comprehensive list of resources as part of its emergency preparedness and response efforts. You can view those resources here.

Water and Power Outages

If you are a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer in Ladera Heights, View Park-Windsor Hills, or another impacted area without power, visit this link to report an outage or call 800-611-1911. SCE is on-site working to restore power. You can view current SCE outages here.

Department of Water & Power customers can report power outages here or call 800-342-5397. Current water outages can be viewed here and current power outages can be viewed here.

Additionally, LADWP is urging customers to conserve water during the firefighting efforts and to boil water intended for consumption due to potential contamination from ash in the system.

LAUSD Impacts

For a list of all school closures and or relocations, please click here. Affected schools are directly communicating with families. For updates, visit lausd.org. A Family Hotline is available at 213-443-1300.

Follow Los Angeles County Public Safety Partners on Social Media

  • Office of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter): @ReadyLACounty
  • LA County Fire on X: @LACoFDPIO
  • LA County Sheriff on X: @LASDHQ
  • LA County on X: @CountyofLA

Follow the City of LA’s Public Safety Partners on Social Media

  • The City of Los Angeles on X: @LACity
  • Mayor Karen Bass on X: @MayorOfLA
  • LA City Emergency Management Department on X: @ReadyLA
  • Los Angeles Fire Department on X: @LAFD
  • LA City Emergency Alerts on X: @NotifyLA

Airbnb Support for Those Affected by Wildfires

Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Important Details:

  • A limited number of credits are available for Airbnb stays.
  • Complete the form below to receive notifications on availability.
  • Evacuation zones will be verified before distributing credits.
  • Spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires.
  • You must currently reside in an evacuation zone.
  • You must have an active Airbnb account or be able to create one.
  • You must be 18 years of age or older.

Those eligible can apply for this free temporary housing here.

Additional Resources

NEW Save-the-Date! Confirmation & Reception With The Bishop

This event has been postponed due to the Los Angeles County wildfires. Please save the date for February 2nd, 2025. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by the wildfires.

 

Join Us For Christmas At St. Albans

 

CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24

  • At 5:00 p.m., join us for a special Christmas Eucharist as the children of our parish present the Christmas story in Luke’s Gospel. If your child would like to participate in the Children’s Gospel retelling, please contact Kedran Panageas at kedran.panageas@gmail.com.
  • Following the 5:00 service, everyone is invited to a special Christmas Eve “Love Your Neighbor” Supper in the Parish Library. If you can provide a dish, please sign up here: bit.ly/StAlbansChristmas
  • At 10:00 p.m., join us for our traditional Christ Mass, with spectacular musical selections. Incense will be used at this service.

CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25

  • At 10:00 a.m., we will celebrate a quiet Christmas Morning Eucharist in the Chapel.

Everyone is welcome. Especially you.

Christmas Program Is Calling All Children & Youth!

We are thrilled to invite our children and youth to participate in our Gospel retelling of the Christmas Story at our Christmas Eve Family Service at 5:00 p.m.

This beloved presentation brings the Nativity to life through the voices of our youngest members. Whether your child would like to take on a speaking role, participate as an angel or shepherd, or simply be part of the joyful celebration, there is a place for everyone!

If your child is interested in participating in the extraordinary retelling, please get in touch with Kedran Panageas at kedran.panageas@gmail.com.

No prior experience is necessary, and we will provide guidance and support to ensure that every child feels confident and excited about participating.