Holy Week & Easter
Join us for Holy Week as we journey from Palm Sunday to the joy of Easter morning.
Welcome to Holy Week at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Holy Week and Easter are the heart of the Christian year. Together we remember the final days of Jesus’ life, his death on the cross, and the joy of the resurrection.
At St. Paul’s Cathedral we gather in prayer, music, and liturgy as we walk this sacred journey together.
Whether you attend church regularly, are exploring faith for the first time, or are simply looking for a place of prayer during Holy Week, you are warmly welcome here.
All services are open to the public.
Holy Week Gatherings
Palm Sunday March 29
8:00 AM — Holy Eucharist
A spoken service with the blessing of palms.
10:00 AM — Palm Sunday Procession & Choral Eucharist
Our principal Palm Sunday service begins with the blessing of palms and a procession recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The Cathedral Choir leads music during this service. The service begins near the outdoor altar, in the rain garden adjacent to the parking lot.
2:30 PM — Palm Sunday Public Witness: Standing with Our Neighbors
The event begins at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church (511 Des Moines Street) and participants will march to the Statehouse, where the witness will continue with music, proclamation of the Word, and a call to action. Further details are available on the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa website. Meet St. Paul’s group at Vibrant Coffee-house & Kitchen (520 E Grand Avenue) from 1:30 PM, or join in along the way.
Monday in Holy Week March 30
7:00 PM — Evening Prayer Vigil for Our Nation
At a time when the United States of America is at war, you are invited to gather, pray and sing for those in the Armed Forces of our Country, for our Enemies, and for Peace.
Led by Bishop Betsey Monnot, in person and live-streamed.
Wednesday in Holy Week April 1
Noon Eucharist
A quiet midday celebration of Holy Communion held in the High Street Chapel.
Maundy Thursday April 2 • 7:00 PM
Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’ final meal with his disciples and his commandment to love one another.
The service includes:
Washing of feet
Holy Eucharist
The solemn stripping of the altar
Contemplation in the High Street Chapel
Good Friday April 3
12:00 PM — Good Friday Liturgy
A solemn service remembering the crucifixion of Jesus.
1:30 PM — Downtown Way of the Cross
Community procession through downtown Des Moines.
You are welcome to join any or all of the route of the Way of the Cross. There are seven stops, each with reflections pressented on two of the stations. The procession begins at First Methodist (10th & Pleasant) at 1:30 pm. It then proceeds to St. Paul’s (HighStreet side) and continues from there to other locations, including St. Ambrose Cathedral, and concludes at St. John’s Lutheran
7:00 PM — Good Friday Choral Liturgy with sung Passion
The evening Good Friday service will include a special choral liturgy offered by Cathedral Arts, with the Cathedral Choir and Scholars under the direction of Kyler Brown chanting the St. John Passion and offering sacred music for this solemn day. The service concludes with the Adoration of the Cross, a time of prayerful reflection before the cross of Christ.
The Great Vigil of Easter April 4 • 8:00 PM
The Easter Vigil is the first celebration of Easter and one of the most beautiful services of the Christian year.
Beginning in darkness, we light the new fire of Easter and hear the ancient stories of God’s saving work before celebrating the first Eucharist of Easter.
Easter Day April 5
8:00 AM — Holy Eucharist
A traditional spoken service celebrating the resurrection.
10:00 AM — Festival Eucharist
Our principal Easter celebration featuring the Cathedral Choir, organ, and joyful proclamation of the resurrection.
First Time Visiting?
If you are visiting church for the first time, returning after many years, or exploring faith, you are warmly welcome at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
What to Expect
Beautiful Anglican liturgy and music
A historic cathedral in downtown Des Moines
Friendly greeters to help you find your way
Everyone is welcome to receive communion or a blessing
Dress is everything from casual to formal. Come as you are.
About St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa and has served downtown Des Moines for more than a century.
Located in the historic Piety Hill neighborhood, the Cathedral continues to serve the city through worship, music, outreach, and prayer.
Plan Your Visit
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
815 High Street
Des Moines, Iowa
Parking
Street parking is available near the Cathedral, and parking is available north of the Cathedral via Pleasant Street.
Accessibility
The Cathedral is accessible and greeters are available to assist visitors.
A place for the downtown community.
St. Paul’s Cathedral has served downtown Des Moines for generations.
Whether you come once or return, you are welcome.
Holy Week tells the story at the center of the Christian faith.
From the palms of Sunday to the joy of Easter morning, we invite you to walk this journey with us.
Wherever you find yourself today, you are welcome at St. Paul’s Cathedral.