Please join us for one of these Christian education programs, services, and retreats throughout the Diocese of Louisiana this Lenten Season. Contact Tamika Gerhardt, tgerhardt@edola.org, for additions or corrections to the list. A blessed Lent to you!   Book Studies | Christian Education Classes | Lenten Devotionals | Stations of the Cross | Lenten Services | Retreats/Quiet Days | Fish Fry/Gumbo Fundraisers | Holy Week Offerings

Book Studies / Film Series

Genesis for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bible Sundays at All Saints’, 100 Rex Dr, River Ridge. Lenten Book Study will begin on February 18th.  Book is –Genesis for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bibleby Jared Byas and Peter Enns
The Lord’s Prayer On Sunday mornings  at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1534 Seventh St, Slidell. Java and Jesus Class will study “The Lord’s Prayer,” by Adam Hamilton. The class begins on February 18.
Will You? Sundays in Lent at 9 a.m. at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 100 West Church Street, Hammond. Feburary 14 is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. This year, we will be doing a different kind of book study, instead of being “instructive” it will be “reflective” taking a deeper dive into the meaning and understanding of our Baptismal Covenant. We will be using the book titled “Will You?” which was written in collaboration by Forward Movement (they print the tri-monthly prayer books) and the Episcopal Evangelical Society.
Give Up Something Bad for Lent Grace Church, 11621 Ferdinand St, Saint Francisville. During Lent each year, Christians give up something as an act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. Often it is something like chocolate, knowing that after Easter Sunday they can once again enjoy what they have given up. James Moore challenges readers to take it further―to give up something spiritually that they would be better off not doing. He invites all to seek God’s help to focus on eliminating one habit or attitude that is destructive. Imagine giving up envy, jealousy, self-pity, apathy, procrastination, gossip, resentment, or negative thinking, how much better life would be. Gatherings will be at the Golson House at 10:00 on the following Wednesdays in Lent: 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27.
Traditional Spiritual Practices in Today’s Christian Life Starting February 21 at St. Martin’s, 2216 Metairie. Our Lenten book is by Michelle Heyne- Traditional Spiritual Practices in Today’s Christian Life.  This book provides practical assistance to Christians seeking to deepen their own spiritual discipline in the traditional areas of Weekly Practice (Holy Eucharist), Daily Practice (Daily Office), Reflection, Community, and Service.  Readers will expand their understanding of traditional Christianity and how it speaks to members of the Body of Christ today.  A focus primarily on practice rather than primarily on doctrinal or political differences, goes a long way toward transforming divisions among us.
The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus Sundays at 9 a.m. at St. Paul’s, 6249 Canal Blvd, New Orleans. The Way of Love: A Practical Guide to Following Jesus by Scott Gunn on Sundays at 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity to discover your own Rule of Life for following Jesus’ way of love in Lent and beyond.

Christian Education Classes / Workshops

Living Well Through Lent Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St, Covington. Two groups will be using the Living Compass devotional “Living Well Through Lent – Practicing Forgiveness with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind” for Lent. A Women’s Study, Thursdays 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., begins February 15th; and meets in the parlor. The study will continue through Lent and end on Thursday, March 28th. A Sunday morning group will begin on Feb. 18 in the parlor at 8:50 a.m. on Sunday morning. This class will end on March 17. All are welcome to participate.
Lenten Series Wednesdays in Lent at 3643 Aurora Dr, New Orleans. St. Philip’s, FR. STEVE’S LENTEN SERIES will be Wednesday nights from 6-7 PM beginning February 21st. A light supper will be provided.
Lenten Suppers Wednesdays in Lent at Christ Church, 1534 Seventh St, Slidell. On Wednesday evenings at 6 pm during Lent, we will have a light supper, special worship and a program.  The first meeting will be on Wednesday, February 21. The meal will be a covered dish so please bring something to share. Each Wednesday, the worship will be unique.  The program is called C.S. Lewis and the Delightful, Diabolical Daring of Lent.  The cost of the program is $5 to for a printed booklet and participants will also need to purchase a copy of  the book, The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis. The book can usually be found for around $10 and is available free online. Fr. Harry will have booklets available  on Feb. 11 and 18 to pass out to interested participants.
Current Events Forum On Sundays during Lent and Eastertide at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. The Sunday morning education class will consist of theological reflections on current issues of interest to our membership. led by the theologian in residence, Canon David Lowry.
Youth Group Bible Study Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 100 West Church Street, Hammond. The youth are doing a lectionary Bible Study which corresponds to the assigned readings each Sunday. We meet in the parish hall at 8:45 a.m. to gather and get breakfast before heading to the Youth Room in the Education Building at 9:00 a.m. Donuts will be provided each week as an alternative to the regular breakfast provided.
Lenten Soup Suppers 6 p.m. on Thursday meeting at St. John’s, 718 Jackson Ave, Thibodaux. Thursday Lenten Suppers will begin on Thursday, February 22, at 6 p.m., including a short program during the meal and followed by Evening Prayer.
Soup & Salvations Lenten Series Wednesday at beginning at 5:30 at St. Luke’s, 8833 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a healing mass followed by a soup supper and a speaker.

Lenten Devotionals

Lenten Digital Calendar – The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This seasonal resource (similar to an Advent calendar) is filled with messages, poetry, music and activities to guide you on that journey. Visit trinitynola.com/lent each day as the next door is unlocked.
Living Well Through Lent by Living Compass Practicing Compassion With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. https://www.livingcompass.org/lent
Lent Madness Who will win the Golden Halo? The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and  people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. More information here: https://www.lentmadness.org/

Lenten Music

Lenten Concert: “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer Sunday, March 17 | 5 p.m. Enter more deeply into your Lenten journey with a candlelight concert featuring the timeless oratorio by Sir John Stainer, sung by the St. James Choir who will be joined by the choir of First United Methodist Church. Choir Concert: The La Canada High School Concert Choir Sunday, March 27 | 6:30 p.m.  The La Canada High School Concert Choir from California will present a concert of solemn and reflective songs at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4600 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. The LCHS Choir is an award winning choir that has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Performance  have included such iconic venues as the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, Notre Dame in Paris, and Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia in Spain. 

Stations of the Cross

    • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in Lent during daylight hours in the Scatter Garden at St. John’s, 718 Jackson St, Thibodaux
    • Fridays at 8 a.m. at St. Philip’s, 3643 Aurora Dr, New Orleans
    • Fridays at 12 p.m. at Christ Church, 120 S. New Hampshire Rd., Covington
    • Fridays at 12 p.m. at St. George’s, 4600 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans
    • Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 11621 Ferdinand St, St Francisville
    • Fridays at 6:00 pm at St. Luke’s, 8833 Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge
    • Fridays at 6 pm at St. Matthew’s, 243 Barrow St, Houma
    • Friday, March 1 at 6 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1031 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans

Lenten Services

Lenten Vigil Fire every evening in Lent at 6 pm at St. Andrew’s, 1031 S. Carrollton Ave, New Orleans. This Lent we will once again Keep Vigil with our neighbors by lighting Lenten Fires in the front of the church from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.
A Lenten Evensong with Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 25 at 5 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St, Covington

Retreats / Quiet Days

Lenten Quiet Morning Feburary 17 from 9 am-12 pm at All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Rex Dr, River Ridge. The event begins in the parish hall at 9 am with continental breakfast, followed by the first meditation held in the church.  Following each meditation, during the contemplative times, participants are free to walk the church grounds, and enjoy the quietude of the church or visit the parish hall for snacks.  The morning concludes with Noonday Prayers in the church.  Everyone is welcome to this free Lenten event.
Lenten Quiet Day with the Rev. Canon Morgan MacIntire Saturday, March 2 | 9 a.m. On March 2, St. James will welcome the Rev. Canon Morgan MacIntire to lead a Lenten Quiet Day. Having served congregations in Virginia and Louisiana, MacIntire became Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Louisiana in early 2023.
Solomon Center Silent Retreat: The Parables February 16-18 at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center. This time of renewal will entail preaching on parables from scripture at Morning Prayer, Eucharist and Evening Prayer with lots of silence in between! Led by our very own Father John Pitzer of Trinity Episcopal Church of New Orleans. Plan to check in from 4pm to 6pm Friday afternoon. The event will end after Eucharist on Sunday morning. Registration is $375 per person which includes private lodging and 5 chef prepared meals. This promises to be a weekend to remember. Register here

Fish Fry / Gumbo Fundraisers

Fish Fry Friday, February 16 starting at 5 pm. Lenten Fish Fry at Christ Episcopal Church, 1534 Seventh St, Slidell.
Fish Fry Friday, March 1 and March 22 from 5-7:30 pm at All Saints, 100 Rex Dr, River Ridge. 3 pieces of fish, potato salad, coleslaw, French Bread, Brownie. Curbside Drive-Up Service available for to-go orders! Sodas and bottled water available for purchase
Leanten Seafood Gumbo Fridays in March from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St. Denham Springs
Gumbo! at St. James, 205 N Fourth St, Baton Rouge. Friday, February 23: Get your Quarts & Pints TO GO Friday, March 8: Grab a friend and dine in or get your lunch TO GO Bishops Hall at St. James Episcopal Church (Corner of Florida St. and North Fourth St. in downtown Baton Rouge) More information and pre-orders: https://stjamesgumbo.square.site/
Gumbo Lunch Mondays in Lent from 11 am-1 pm at St. John’s, 718 Jackson St, Thibodaux. Gumbo Lunches are served every Monday during the season of Lent. Lunches are $12, and proceeds help support Good Samaritan Food Bank.
Fish Fry Fundraiser Fridays in Lent from 11 am to 3 pm at Historic St. Luke’s, 1222 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans
Gumbo to Geaux Fridays in Lent from 3-6 pm at St. Mark’s, 3245 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey. Shrimp and Okra Gumbo and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Friday Lenten Lunch Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s, 243 Barrow St, Houma More information and weekly menu
Gumbo to Go Fridays in Lent from 11 am-1 pm at Church of the Holy Communion, 5804 Court St, Plaquemine

Holy Week Offerings

Garden of Gethsemane As a way to prepare ourselves for the Mystery of Easter, Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans will transform their chapel into its own version of the Garden of Gethsemane so that we may “keep watch and awake with Christ’s body and blood” at the altar of repose following the 6:00pm Maundy Thursday service in the church . Bring your sorrows and your sufferings. Sit with God in the silence and the stillness and the reality of this world. Surrender to what God longs to share with you. Come for a minute or an hour. There will be resources available to guide reflection. Thursday, March 28, 6:00 pm – Midnight Friday, March 29, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Security will be present. Please use the Coliseum Street entrance to the Chapel only. Please contact Ashley Bond at abond@trinitynola.com to learn more.