St. Clements Anglican Church 

AS THE YEAR ROLLS ON

As I write this latest contribution to St. Clements Web Page, we are in the midst of bitterly cold weather, a bit of a shock after the mild winter days we have had the first part of 2019!  Such is life in Alberta!  However, with the Christmas Season now over, we are now steadily moving on towards Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter.  How time flies!

On February 17^th, we begin a series of Sundays with unusual Latin names – Septuagesima (70). Sexagesima (60) and Quinquagesima (50) – which represent the number of days (more rather than less) before the Easter Festival.  On March 6^th, we begin the Season of Lent (meaning spring) celebrating Ash Wednesday on March 6th at 5:00 pm with the Service of Imposition of Ashes and the Holy Eucharist followed by our traditional Pancake Supper at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall.

What is the meaning of Lent?  Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial traditionally observed by Anglicans and nowadays, by many other churches and denominations.  It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on the evening before Easter Day.  The length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4^th century as 40 days, not counting Sundays reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in prayer and fasting in the wilderness as a preparation for his ministry of teaching, healing and compassionate care.  During Lent, participants are encouraged to eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit.  On Palm Sunday, April 14^th, we remember Jesus’ arrival in the City of Jerusalem riding on a donkey.  Palm crosses are distributed during this Service. In Holy Week, we celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist on Maundy Thursday at 6:00 pm.  At the end of this Service, we prepare the Church for Good Friday by stripping the Altar leaving the Church in quietness and silence.  Good Friday is a special day when we remember the crucifixion and death of our Blessed Lord.  At St. Clements, on this Holy Day at 10 am, this year, we shall pray and follow “The Way of the Cross.”

Easter Day is the Queen of all Christian Festivals celebrate on April 21^st at 10 a.m.  Members of the Parish are encouraged to bring spring flowers and Easter lilies (perhaps on the Saturday before) as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Blessed Lord.  In times past, this was a day for Ladies to wear an Easter bonnet but if this is no long a fad, happy shining faces are the order of the day for everyone!!  It is certainly the Day when we welcome present, past and new parishioners as well as visitors and folks who are just interested in being a part of Christian worship.  In the tradition of our Parish, all persons whether Anglican or not are welcome to participate in the Service and to received Holy Communion.  Every blessing to ALL who read our web site.

If you are interested in contacting the Incumbent Parish Priest (the Rev. J. Gordon Jackson), please do so at the following email address:  stonej78@gmail.com or by phone at 403-239-1004 or by mail at:  235 Arbour Wood Close NW, Calgary, AB  T3G 4C3.

Gordon Jackson