Rythms of
Faith & Community

At Holy Innocents, we move through the year together by following the seasons of the church. These seasons help us explore the Bible in thoughtful, connected ways and keep us rooted in the heart of our faith—the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Along the way, we share moments of deep reflection and joyful celebration, from the quiet beauty of Holy Week to the laughter and excitement of our Christmas Eve Pageant. Wherever you are on your journey, we hope you’ll imagine yourself here—connecting with others, joining in, and finding a place to belong.

Advent - Christmas

Advent invites reflection as we prepare for Christmas, featuring our beloved Lessons & Carols tradition.

Christmas Eve is a joyful and meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth. Our lively, chaos-filled Christmas Pageant invites children and adults alike to dress up and help bring the story to life in a wonderfully unscripted and memorable way. Our traditional candlelight service with choir offers a more contemplative experience, as music and scripture lead us from darkness into light. All are welcome to share in the wonder and beauty of this holy night.

Join us on Christmas morning for a traditional service celebrating the birth of Christ in a spirit of joy and reverence. Through familiar carols, scripture, and Holy Communion, we gather to give thanks for the gift of God’s presence among us. This peaceful and festive service offers a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration for all.

Autumn

Fall through spring, we offer ongoing formation for youth and children as a central part of our community life, creating space for them to grow in faith, wonder, and belonging. Through age-appropriate storytelling, prayer, creative activities, and hands-on engagement with worship, children and youth are invited to explore their relationship with God in meaningful ways. These gatherings help nurture spiritual curiosity while building relationships across generations.

When fall arrives, we turn toward the royal identity of Christ in our readings and enter a season rich with tradition, remembrance, and community celebration. We honor St. Francis with beloved animal blessings, gather for All Saints & All Souls as we remember those who have gone before us, and share a Thanksgiving meal in gratitude for God’s abundance. The season also includes Fair Oaks Halloween and Trick-or-Treating, along with a communal ofrenda that holds space for remembrance—naming and honoring those who have died in detention or through state violence,

Lent - Easter

Our most significant celebrations happen during the spring festivals of Holy Week and Easter as we immerse ourselves in the mysteries of Christ’s passion and new life.

Mardi Gras - help us say goodbye to the “Alleluias” with delicious food, great music, and fantastic company. Festivities include a pancake bar for kids, a New Orleans–inspired potluck, and jazz band. Bring a dish to share—gumbo, king cake, jambalaya, étouffée, or your favorite—and come ready to celebrate together!

Ash Weds - the season of Lent begins with a solemn and meaningful service of prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes. This sacred time invites us to pause, turn our hearts toward God, and enter the season with intention and humility.

Palm Sunday - we begin Holy Week with a joyful procession around the neighborhood, remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Together, we’ll wave palms, sing, and then gather for a service that moves from celebration into the solemn story of the Passion.

Wednesday of Holy Week Service - a contemplative service centered on the journey to Jerusalem. Through moving music and prayer, we’ll walk this sacred path together, creating space for reflection and deep listening.

Maundy Thursday - its unique, intimate celebration marking the beginning of the Easter Triduum. We gather for a short service woven together with a special Agape Meal, including scripture, Holy Communion, and the ritual washing of feet. Afterward, all are invited to share reflections and hopes for the season ahead, before the service concludes with the stripping of the altar in silence, leading us into the solemnity of Good Friday.

Good Friday - we gather for a powerful and reflective service centered on the Passion. Each year, we explore a new theme that connects this sacred story to the realities of our world today, inviting deeper understanding and compassion.

Easter Vigil - a sacred and powerful liturgy that begins in darkness and moves into radiant light. We will gather around the new fire as the Paschal candle is lit, carrying its flame into the church as a sign of Christ’s resurrection. Through story, song, and sacrament, we celebrate the hope and new life of Easter together.

Easter Morning - we celebrate the joy and wonder of the Resurrection with a festive and hope-filled service. With joyful music, prayer, and proclamation, we gather to rejoice in the new life Christ brings to the world. Following our Children and Family Great Circle Service, all are invited to stay for a joyful Easter Egg hunt!