Christmas Services

50th annual Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sun., Dec. 3, 2023
Cannon Memorial Chapel

In partnership with the Department of Music, the Chaplaincy will hold the 50th annual Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sun., Dec. 3, 2023, in the Chapel. The university's Schola Cantorum and Women's Chorale will present new and familiar Christmas carols and anthems in the tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that was first held at King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England, on Christmas Eve 1918. The services conclude with the lighting of candles by the congregation and the singing of Silent Night. 

Lend Thy Light: A Time of Reflection on the Season
Wed., Dec. 13, 2023, 12-1 p.m.
Cannon Memorial Chapel

December can be a season of contrasts.  We are often busy with holiday activities, yet we long for moments of peace and stillness. We frequently gather with family and friends, but it is also a time where we can feel deeply alone. Some moments we are joyful, and at other times, we feel a profound sense of sadness or loss.  Acknowledging the complexity of emotions involved in this season, the Chaplaincy offers Lend Thy Light, an hour-long Christian holiday service that provides time for reflection. The name of the service, “Lend Thy Light,” comes from the fourth stanza of the hymn, “Silent Night.” It speaks of the light that the star gave to the wise men as they journeyed toward Bethlehem. Amidst a world challenged by darkness and despair, we all need a light of hope to guide us and remind us that we are not alone.

Throughout the hour, a pianist will be playing and improvising on themes from sacred Christmas hymns and songs. A candle lighting station will be available for those who wish to acknowledge prayers or intentions. Prompts will be provided in the bulletin to help us consider our joys and thanksgivings, sorrows and hurts, and to remember in prayer those who have been significant in our journey this year. There is no formal liturgy or service, and you may come and go as your schedule allows. All are welcome.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Service
Wed., Feb. 14, 2024, 5-6 p.m.
Cannon Memorial Chapel

The Chaplaincy will offer an ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service at 5 p.m. on February 14 in the Chapel. The service will include the blessing and imposition of ashes. 

Holy Week and Easter Services

Palm Sunday Mass
Sun., March 24, 2024, 5 p.m.
Cannon Memorial Chapel

Palm Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on March 24 in the Chapel. The service will begin with the blessing and procession of palms.

Good Friday Service
Fri., March 29, 2024, 12:30 p.m.
Cannon Memorial Chapel

The Chaplaincy will hold a Good Friday Service at 12:30 p.m. on March 29 in the Chapel. The 30-minute service will include a reading of the last seven words of Jesus.

Easter Sunrise Service
Sun., March 31, 2024, 6:45 a.m.
Columbarium Garden

The Chaplaincy will hold an Easter Sunrise Service on March 31 in the Columbarium and Memorial Garden, adjacent to the Chapel. The thirty-minute service will include scriptures, prayers, traditional Easter hymns, and a brief sermon. A light breakfast reception will follow in the Wilton Center Multifaith Room.

Easter Mass
Sun., March 31, 2024, 5 p.m.
Cannon Memorial Chapel

Easter Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on March 31 in the Chapel.