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Sunday Service 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM, Wednesday Service 6:00 PM
4797 Curtis Blvd, Port St. John, FL 32927, US
Bishop Bower’s Easter Message 2026
The Joyful Anticipation of Easter
Each year, Christians eagerly await Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. This sacred event marks the culmination of the Lenten journey and completes the Sacred Triduum. Easter signifies our transition from darkness to light, from sorrow to joy, and from the reality of sin to the boundless happiness found only in forgiveness through Christ Jesus.
However, not all Christians hold the same view on Easter. Recently, I received a postcard inviting people to an “Easter Celebration” at a local Christian church. The front of the postcard featured graphics, Easter eggs,
confetti, a QR code, the church’s name, and details about two Easter services.
On the reverse side of the card, there was a lot of text. It required careful reading to find the phrase “celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ” among descriptions of a “casual atmosphere,” a statement that “We are a
contemporary Christian church,” and explanations about the two Easter egg hunts—one for each service. Most notably, there was an announcement of a prize drawing for a “kid’s electric car & bike,” including photos of the prizes and instructions for in-person registration.
While I pray that these efforts draw people into a sincere faith in Christ rather than merely into fun and prizes, I am concerned that the faith they develop may be superficial. This raises an important question: What does
Easter truly represent?
First and foremost, Easter is the Christian Passover. Jesus is the Paschal Lamb who passed from death to life—not symbolically, but actually and physically. This supreme miracle is the paramount cosmic victory over
both sin and death.
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14)
The Resurrection of Christ is closely connected to His crucifixion on Good Friday. Jesus' death provides forgiveness for our sins, and crucifixes in churches serve as reminders of this moment of salvation. This is
known as the “Paschal Mystery”, encompassing Christ’s crucifixion, His three days in the tomb, and His resurrection. These events fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and gave us forgiveness, hope, and the
certainty that we, too, will be raised from the dead.
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)
The dogma of the undivided Christian Church teaches that we will be resurrected from the dead, as proclaimed in the Nicene Creed: “
I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”
We are assured that we will be raised at the time of the final renewal of creation. This is not merely an escape from worldly troubles or an ascent to heaven in the clouds. It is the ultimate realization of God’s Kingdom,
where sin and death are destroyed, and we enjoy the ultimate relationship with the Holy Trinity through perfect love.
Easter celebrates both the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the anticipation of our own resurrection into the “life of the world to come.” We achieve complete communion with God through the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, which strengthens us throughout our lives. By receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus, we become living tabernacles of grace that extend into the world.
Certainly, those whose understanding of Easter is focused on casual fun and raffle prizes might find our celebration quite intense. Indeed, our observance of the three days exceeds what our society can grasp. To them, it is just another time for family, food, and fun. But for us, it is a moment of immense joy because our Saviour lives and grants us ongoing hope in our own resurrection to live with Him.
Because of Easter, we acknowledge that our lives have significance and purpose. The total of our existence is not a slow journey to the grave in a hearse. Instead, the purpose of our being is revealed in the risen Christ, who dwells in us, and we in Him. We no longer must face the trials and struggles of this world alone because He is with us. And we no longer must fear death because He has conquered death and promised us eternal life with Him. Now that is truly a meaningful celebration – no prizes necessary!
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Who We Are
Our Beliefs
At St. Patrick's Anglican Church, we believe in the power of God's love, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We believe that through faith and prayer, we can overcome any obstacle and live a life of purpose and meaning.
Our Worship
We believe that worship is a powerful way to connect with God and experience His presence in our lives. Our worship services are both sacramental and scriptural using the traditions of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Our Mission
At St. Patrick's Anglican Church, we are dedicated to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ to our community and beyond. Through our various ministries and programs, we strive to make a positive impact on the world around us.
Welcome to St. Patrick's Anglican Church Church
Discover the Power of Faith at St. Patrick's Anglican Church Church
At St. Patrick's Anglican Church, we are more than just a place of worship; we are a vibrant community filled with love and support. Our doors are open to everyone, and we invite you to join us in our mission to grow in faith and service. Each Sunday, we gather to celebrate and share in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout the week, we offer a range of programs and activities suitable for all ages. Be a part of our family and experience the warmth and fellowship that make St. Patrick's Anglican Church a special place.
Upcoming Events
Easter Lilies
Each Easter, our church is beautifully adorned with lilies—symbols of the joy, hope, and new life we celebrate in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are invited to purchase an Easter Lily in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one.
This is a meaningful way to honor those who have touched our lives while helping prepare our church for the celebration of Easter.
The cost is $20.00 per lily.
Please submit your form no later than April 2nd so names may be included in the Easter service bulletin.
Thank you for helping make our Easter celebration especially beautiful.
Holy Week 2026
- Palm Sunday – March 29: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM ✔️
- Holy (Spy) Tuesday – March 31: 6:00 PM ✔️
- April 1: Holy Wednesday – Stations of the Cross: 5:30 PM Mass: 6:00 PM ✔️
- Maundy Thursday – April 2: 6:00 PM — followed by stripping of the altar, followed by the "Vigil" which will be done virtually: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9ToihHks/
- Good Friday – April 3:
- 12:00–3:00 PM Meditation on the 7 Last Words
- 3:30 PM Stations of the Cross
- 4:00 PM Mass of the Presanctified
- Easter Sunrise – April 5: 7:00 AM (Memorial Garden) ✔️
- Easter Sunday – April 5: 10:00 AM Traditional Mass ✔️
Sunday Eucharist Services
Weekday Morning Prayer Service
Mid-week Eucharist Service
Please join us on Sundays for our two in-person services and our one online service.
8:00 AM - Traditional Holy Communion
10:00 AM - Traditional Holy Communion with Music
10:00 AM, which can be attended Live or Streamed on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/StPatspsj
Mid-week Eucharist Service
Weekday Morning Prayer Service
Mid-week Eucharist Service
Wednesday, we have a 6:00 PM - Traditional Evening Prayer followed by Holy Communion which can be attended Live or Streamed on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/StPatspsj
Weekday Morning Prayer Service
Weekday Morning Prayer Service
Weekday Morning Prayer Service
Please join us Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday for our 8:00 AM Morning Prayer with Fr. Tim.
Morning Prayer is currently being live-streamed on Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/StPatspsj
Bishop Bower Teaching on Anglicanism 101
Ready to Explore Anglicanism?
St. Patrick’s Anglican Church is excited to share that Bishop William Bower will be leading an online Anglicanism 101 class beginning December 8th!
This weekly Zoom course is perfect for longtime members, newcomers, and anyone curious about what it means to be Anglican.
🗓 Starts: December 8
💻 Meets on Zoom
🚫 No class on Dec. 29
📚 Reading materials provided - See Fr. Mike
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn, ask questions, and grow deeper in our Anglican tradition.
Visit stpatrickspsj.org or contact the church office to learn more.
#StPatricksPSJ #Anglicanism101 #AnglicanCatholicChurch #DEUS #FaithFormation #AnglicanLife