The March calendar is replete with holidays and festivals from Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Lent began on Feb. 14, 40 days before Easter Sunday, and its purpose is to set aside time for reflection of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
The Islamic holiday of Ramadan this year lasts from March 10 until April 8, and is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It is a commemoration of Muhammad’s first Revelation and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Jewish festival of Purim is celebrated beginning at sunset March 23 and ending March 24. It commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from an adviser to a Persian king, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are considered among the holiest holidays in the Christian faith — from when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem (Palm Sunday); to Good Friday, when he was crucified; to Easter Sunday, when he was resurrected.
Palm Sunday this year is on Sunday, March 24; while Good Friday is March 29 and Easter is March 31.
There are also some celebrations including St. Patrick’s Day, a religious feast day which has been assimilated into a cultural event, being held this year on Sunday, March 17.
Here are some days and times for upcoming religious observations around town. This is not an inclusive list. Visit the church or temple of your choice for further information.
EASTER SEASON
Holy Family Catholic Church:
Parish Reconciliation Service, March 12, 7 p.m.
Holy Thursday: Mass of Lord’s Supper 7 p.m.; Adoration until 11 p.m.
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross, 1 p.m.; Good Friday services, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Veneration of Cross.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday: see website for times.
St. James Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Kimura, who officially becomes senior rector at St. James, March 23, will lead the Holy Week and Easter services on March 31.
Palm Sunday: Eucharist, 8 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.
Good Friday: 7 p.m.
Holy Saturday: Great Vigil of Easter
Easter: 8 a.m.
Oneonta Congregational Church
Palm Sunday: 9:30 a.m. service
Maundy Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Good Friday: noon and evening service
Easter: 9:30 a.m.
ReNew UMC
Good Friday: 6:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday: 11 a.m. followed by lunch on church courtyard.
For other church services, see websites.
PURIM
Chabad of South Pasadena
Sunday, March 24 — Purim In the Sky, 11 a.m. Jump Time ($20 per jumper)
12:15 p.m. Reading of Megillah, story of Esther followed by pizza. Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 1025 S. Meridian Ave.; Alhambra. RSVP: JewishSouthPasadena.com/purim
First published in the March 8 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
