2026 Liturgical Calendar

1 February
Blessing of the Throats (San Biagio)
Receive the traditional Blessing of the Throats, invoking the protection of St Blaise. Offered immediately following both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services.
2 February
Candlemas: Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Celebrate Candlemas with the blessing of candles, marking the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This service concludes the Christmas cycle and celebrates Christ as the Light of the World.
15 February
Mardi Gras Party
Join us for a lively Mardi Gras celebration as we prepare for the solemn season of Lent. Festivities, food and fellowship immediately follow the 11:00 AM service.
18 February
Ash Wednesday
Begin your Lenten journey with the imposition of ashes and solemn liturgy. Services at 12:00 PM (Noon) and 7:00 PM.
15 March
Laetare Sunday Festival of Cakes
Take a moment of joy midway through Lent with a celebration of hope and light. Enjoy a communal Festival of Cakes following the 11:00 AM service.
29 March
Palm Sunday
We begin Holy Week with the blessing and procession of palms, commemorating Christ's entry into Jerusalem. Join us for the reading of the Passion narrative.
1 April
Tenebrae
Experience the ancient service of Tenebrae, a solemn liturgy of shadows and increasing darkness. This candlelit service reflects on the final hours of Christ's earthly ministry. 7:00 PM.
2 April
Maundy Thursday
Commemorate the Last Supper with the institution of the Eucharist and foot washing. The service concludes with the solemn stripping of the altar. 7:00 PM.
3 April
Good Friday
A solemn observance of the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Services at 12:00 PM (Noon) and 7:00 PM.
5 April
Easter Sunday
Celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord with joyful services. Alleluia! He is risen!
10 May
Rogation Sunday
We pray for a successful autumn harvest. Plants, seeds and gardening tools are blessed (pictures of the same are also welcome). Eco-friendly Crosses for the Planting are blessed and distributed for your gardens and fields.
Memorial Day
Florence American Cemetery, Tavarnuzze
St James is an honoured guest at the annual Memorial Day observance held at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta. Join us in honouring the service and sacrifice of American military personnel.
21 June
St John the Baptist BBQ
Celebrate the Feast of St John the Baptist with a festive summer cookout in the church gardens. Food, fellowship and summer fun for the whole family.
28 June
Summer Schedule Begins
Our summer worship schedule begins today, with a single service at 10:00 AM every Sunday. This continues until mid-September.
2 August
Lammas Day Festival of Breads
Celebrate Lammas (Loaf Mass) with a Festival of Breads after the 10:00 AM service. Bring a loaf to share as we bless the first fruits of the harvest.
20 September
Return to Two Services
We return to our regular schedule of two Sunday services. Join us for Holy Eucharist at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
27 September
Kick-off Sunday
Welcome back! Join us for Kick-off Sunday as we celebrate our return to autumn programming. Homecoming service followed by a festive BBQ in the church gardens.
4 October
Feast of St Francis
Celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Bring your beloved pets (or their pictures) to the 11:00 AM service for a special blessing.
1 November
All Saints Sunday
Commemorate the lives of the saints and all those who have gone before us. A special service honouring the faithful departed.
22 November
Feast of Christ the King
Mark the final Sunday of the Christian liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King. A majestic celebration before the start of Advent.
29 November
Advent I
Begin the season of Advent, a time of hopeful expectation and preparation. The first candle of the Advent wreath is lit today.
6 December
Advent II
The second Sunday of Advent continues our journey of waiting and watchfulness. Join us as we prepare the way of the Lord.
13 December
Advent III with Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Rejoice on Gaudete Sunday! This service includes the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 11:00 AM. A beautiful, music-filled worship service.
20 December
Advent IV
The final Sunday of Advent focuses on the anticipation of Christ's birth, with particular attention to the role of Mary in the Incarnation.
24 December
Christmas Eve
Celebrate the Nativity with two beautiful Eucharistic masses. Family Mass at 6:00 PM, Solemn Midnight Mass at 11:00 PM.
25 December
Christmas Day
A quiet, joyous service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

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