I believe it has been the practice of this parish on Palm Sunday to conflate the “Liturgy of the Palms” with the “Sunday of the Passion.” In other words, once we have blessed and distributed the palms, and processed into the church, the service rapidly changes focus, and we hear the story of Jesus’ passion and death. This is quite common.

Interestingly the “back-story” on this practice is that the compilers of our lectionary simply didn’t trust people to come back to church on Good Friday to rehearse the story of Jesus’ death. So, they took advantage of Palm Sunday’s captive audience (after all, who doesn’t like coming to church on Palm Sunday?!) to make sure the Passion got its due.

And this is despite the fact that the Church slows everything down to “real time” in the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. There’s a day set aside for the anointing at Bethany; one for the betrayal by Judas; one for the Last Supper and Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethesemane, and – but not until Good Friday – one for the suffering and passion of Christ. It doesn’t really make sense to jump to the end of the story before we get there.

So, this year, we’re going to try keeping Palm Sunday about Palm Sunday, thus allowing Holy Week to unfold in “real time” as intended. See what you think! – MAT

On Saturday March 28  from 10am- noon in the Parish Hall, everyone is invited to a fun annual family event of Palm Cross making. Whether you have made many palm crosses in Lents past, or this is your first time, join us and be a part of an age-old Lenten tradition. Refreshments will be served. The altar guild is also reaching out for help with set up. Connect with Nancy Whysker if you can assist.

If you didn't have the opportunity to attend yesterday evening's Lenten Service, we warmly invite you to come next week and every Wednesday from 4.30-5.00 pm to rest  in the quiet, to deepen your Lenten experience . All are welcome.

We will be using the the Liturgy Pray Without Ceasing, and everyone is warmly invited.

For more information, connect with Helen Love.

Holy Week is the Church’s most sacred week of the year. It runs from Palm Sunday (March 29) and concludes Easter Day (April 5). During that week, our liturgical observances slow down to real time. We follow Jesus day by day from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, till the last night of his earthly life and the “Last Supper,” through Good Friday until Easter Day. During Holy Week, the Church traditionally sets aside all its usual “busyness” – meetings, social gatherings and the like, in order to allow everyone freedom to “walk the way of the cross” with Christ. Here is our schedule of services:

Palm Sunday – March 29, 2026

8.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

9.30 a.m. Joint Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

10.30 a.m. Procession of Palms & Holy Eucharist (begin in Parish Hall)

Maundy Thursday

5.30 p.m. Parish Supper (Parish Hall)

7.00 p.m. Proper Liturgy and Stripping and Washing of the Altar

Good Friday

12.00 noon Proper Liturgy

Easter Day

8.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

10.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

11.45 a.m. Dressing of the Graves

Maundy Thursday Community Supper 

It is the custom of this parish to gather over a light meal on Maundy Thursday evening before the evening service.

The meal begins at 5.30 pm April 2, and soup and buns will be served.

Volunteers are needed to provide 3-4 soups for the Simple Soup Supper on Maundy Thursday. Buns are also needed, as well as two volunteers to assist Lenore English in the kitchen.

Please contact Terry Willow at tjwillow@telus.net if you can assist.

Since first performed on Good Friday, April 7, 1724, J.S. Bach’s legendary St John Passion sees performances around the world in the week before Easter.

One of Bach’s two surviving Passions, the St John Passion translates the story of Jesus’ trial, betrayal, crucifixion, and death on the cross into magnificent music.

Bach’s legendary oratorio is again being performed by the choirs of Christ Church Cathedral and the Church of St John the Divine led by David Stratkauskas with Victoria's beloved Ben Butterfield as Evangelist. While the performance is in the lead up to Easter, this concert experience is an opportunity to hear one of the season’s greatest works performed by the city’s finest musicians. 

Tickets available HERE.

As Easter Day approaches, so does our tradition of decorating the church in celebration of the risen Lord. The Altar guild is therefore requesting that greenery be brought to the church on Saturday April 4th to help us beautify the sanctuary.

Any questions please connect with Nancy Whysker.

Do you enjoy singing?

Our choir has recently changed its weekly practice time to Sundays at 9.15 am to accommodate several members for whom a midweek rehearsal is problematic. If this removes a hurdle for you, please speak to Patrick Sibley.

On April 19th at 2pm, come for an unforgettable experience of powerful voices and uplifting harmony as the Victoria Police Chorus takes the stage for a fundraiser for heritage preservation of the beautiful St. Michael and All Angels Church. From stirring anthems to heartfelt favourites, this dynamic performance blends strength, soul and community spirit into one memorable event. Whether you come for inspiration, connection or simply good entertainment, this is an experience you wont want to miss. Tickets are $25: Call 250-479-0450, email: admin@stmikevictoria.ca or at the church office, 4733 West Saanich Rd. Tuesday-Thursday 9am-1pm

Our parish is very fortunate that we can livestream our Sunday 10:30 am worship service, and there are parishioners who regularly watch to stay connected to our St. Michael's community. Some have let the Pastoral Care committee know that they would love to attend in person, but are either unable to drive, or don't have a vehicle.                 

Currently, I'm in the process of putting together a list of people who would be willing to pick up and drive others to and from church on an occassional basis.

To make it work well for everyone, you would be partnered with a parishioner in, or as close as possible to your catchment area. Some people would only request a ride when we have a combined service every 5th Sunday, while others might like to come once or twice a month.

If this is a ministry you feel called to offer your driving service to, please let me know.

Many thanks,

Nancy Paxton

nancypaxton@stmikevictoria.ca 

Each week we provide a new link posted here in the newsletter, so please make sure you watch this space for the latest link to attend the service live.

HERE is the link to tune in this PALM SUNDAY

And don't worry- If you missed the service last Sunday, you can still catch the recording (scroll down to the section below: "Sunday Services at St Michael's" and click on: "Watch the Service here.").

Our Sunday 8:30am service is shaped by the 1962 Book of Common Prayer. The lilt and rhythm of old English finds its way into this liturgy, and some beautiful turns of phrase illuminate this service where there is no music. While the service itself is quiet, regular attendees are lively, friendly and very welcoming.

Our Sunday 10:30am service, shaped by the Book of Alternative Services, includes music and more contemporary language and images for understanding God. This service is normally recorded and available for view on Sunday afternoon on the website.

WATCH the RECORDING of Last Sunday's Service HERE

Diocesan Summer Retreat - Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6, 2026 - Salt Spring Island

During Lent, the days that the Office is open will shift to Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Closed on Wednesdays Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, & 25. Hours will remain the same. 

The regular office schedule will resume Tuesday March 31st.

Any questions please email admin@stmikevictoria.ca or call 250-479-0540

There are several email addresses setup for your convenience contacting the church.  Please refer to the list below and feel free to reach out when you need to.