Below is a comprehensive list of our Advent/Christmas related services. Live streamed services are indicated beside location. You can also view each service and more on our calendar page.
SEVEN WEEK ADVENT
Advent traditionally consists of the four weeks prior to Christmas and is a time of expectant waiting for the Nativity of Christ at Christmas. However, there is a longstanding and widespread alternative tradition of observing Advent for a period more equivalent to the 40 days of Lent. St. Paul’s will be celebrating a 7 week Advent in 2024, which will begin on November 10.
We hope you can find peace within our four walls. All are welcome.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
5 pm – Veterans Day Evensong – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Ingathering Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
5 pm – Evensong – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
SUNDAY, NOV. 24
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
5 pm, Advent Procession
In the Cathedral and live-streamed
This much-beloved service, similar in style to a “Lessons and Carols” service, is sung entirely in procession as the choir makes its pilgrimage through the Cathedral and chapel. As we explore an extended 7-week Advent once again this year, this service of Preparation complete with the Great “O” Antiphons is a wonderful way to experience this Advent tradition more deeply. This year the service will be sung by members of the Cathedral Schola and Alumni of the St Cecilia Choir and includes a wealth of music ranging from chant settings to 20th Century composers Britten and Howells.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
4 pm, San Diego Master Chorale Messiah Sing
In the Cathedral and live-streamed
From SD Master Chorale: “Embrace the spirit of the season with the San Diego Master Chorale’s 13th annual ‘Messiah Sing.’ Audience members join SD Master Chorale singers in a communal celebration, singing selections from Handel’s Messiah. Under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell, featured soloists from the Chorale will be accompanied by organist Martin Green, who is both Canon of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and the Chorale’s Associate Music Director. Together, we’ll create a shared musical experience like no other. Bring your own score or rent one at the venue, and be part of this timeless holiday favorite.”
This service will be replacing our regularly scheduled 5 pm Evensong.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
5 pm – Evensong – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
8 am – Eucharist – In the Cathedral
10:30 am – Choral Eucharist – In the Cathedral and live-streamed
4:30 pm, Lessons and Carols for Christmas
In the Cathedral and live-streamed
Our Cathedral Choristers and members of the Cathedral Schola offer a heart-warming and beautiful service of Scripture readings and carols, to usher in the Christmas season in the tradition of the Church of England. The service will include favorite carols and descants alongside wonderful choral arrangements of carols familiar and new.
The St Cecilia Alumni Choir will offer Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” with harp accompaniment at 4:30 pm.
Lessons and Carols begins at 5 pm.
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
5 pm, Christmas Eve Family Service
In the Cathedral
Join us for a children and youth lead Carol Service on Christmas Eve. A brief “rehearsal” will take place in the Chapel of the Holy Family at 4:30 for young people who wish to participate.
10 pm, Solemn Midnight Mass
In the Cathedral and live-streamed
Join us for one of the highlights of the Cathedral year, when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Prelude will begin at 10 pm. The celebration, presided over by our Bishop, features members of the Cathedral Choir, instrumentalists, pageantry, carols, and a sermon from the Dean, the Very Rev. Penny Bridges.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
10:30 am, Christmas Day Holy Eucharist
In the Cathedral
We celebrate Christmas morning with a service of Eucharist featuring organ and carols. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook will preach and preside.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
7 pm, New Year's Eve Service
In the Dean’s Courtyard (Entrance on 5th or 6th ave. Labyrinth located on 6th ave side)
Join the Cathedral community in a tranquil and meditative service to say goodbye to 2024, complete with labyrinth walk and music on the Dean’s Courtyard Labyrinth.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1, 2025
10:30 am, Holy Name Eucharist
In the Chapel of the Holy Family (located within the Cathedral)
Welcome the New Year with a Eucharist service observing the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
Adult Forum series: A Holy Night in the (not so) Holy Land
David Mosley Ph.D guides us through and in-depth study on the birth narrative of Jesus in our Advent formation series. You can view the entire 4 part series below or on our Youtube channel.
