Worship & Sacraments
A Place to Worship in Community and Grow in Faith
At the Church of St. James the Less, we worship together twice each week, celebrating Mass at 5:00 pm on Sunday and at 11:00 am on Friday (or the last day of the school week). Additional services are scheduled on holy days and in the Christmas and Easter seasons. Special services are scheduled upon request for the sacraments of baptism, holy matrimony, or a funeral.
We follow the traditions of the Episcopal church while welcoming people of all faiths to worship with us. Worshipers are invited to take communion if it aligns with their family traditions.
What is Mass?
The Mass, or Holy Eucharist, has been the principal act of Christian worship since the days of the early church when the apostles followed Jesus’ instructions to break bread and share wine in remembrance of him. During Mass, we are invited into the great mystery: that God came to humanity in human form to live and die for the salvation of the world and that God continues to abide with us to enable, empower, and enliven us in the work of building up God’s kingdom.
When we bring offerings of praise and thanksgiving to Mass – in prayer and song, bread and wine, in our gifts of money, food, clothing, etc. – we pray that God will strengthen us to follow the most basic commandment: to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals
Upon request, the Church of St. James the Less will schedule a baptism, wedding, or funeral for members of the community. There is no cost for a baptism. Wedding and funeral costs depend on many factors. To inquire about one of these sacraments for yourself or a family member, contact the Chaplain.
Baptism is the sacrament by which we as children of God become members of Christ’s body, the Church. It is an initiation rite, a new beginning, the start of a new life. The Chaplain anoints the baptized in the presence of witnesses who welcome the person into the church family.
Holy Matrimony is a sacramental rite signifying a lifetime covenant between two people who love each other. Standing before God, the Chaplain, family, friends, and community, the two state their commitment, exchange vows and rings, and receive God’s grace and blessings.
A funeral blends mourning with joy, honoring the deceased person while affirming our faith that death is not the end but a passage into eternal life with God. The service often includes a eulogy given by a family member or close friend of the deceased.
