St. James Episcopal prepares for Lent
On Sunday, Feb. 11, St. James Episcopal Church in West Dundee will celebrate the life of Absalom Jones, the first African-American Episcopal priest ordained in 1804, at the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses.
Jones was a slave and purchased his wife's freedom and his own. He taught himself to read by using the Bible. Jones and Roger Allen founded the African Free Society in 1787 which was a benevolent organization that held religious services and provided mutual aid for "free Africans and their descendants" in Philadelphia.
St. James also welcomes the community to observe a Holy Lent by coming to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb 13 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be gluten-free and sugar-free options. Tickets are $8, $5 for seniors, age 65 or older, and children. Donations welcome for children under age 12.
All are invited to Ash Wednesday service, Feb. 14. Masses will be held at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. with the imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist.
St. James Episcopal Church is a historic congregation serving Northern Kane County and the Fox River Valley for 153 years. Its mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ as we welcome, teach and serve all God's people.
St. James is located at 516 Washington St. in West Dundee. Discover more at stjamesdundee.org.