Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This Holy Week is the heart of our liturgical year, and I want to encourage you to keep these days holy. For the rest of the world, these days may just be “business as usual”, but we Christians are called to keep these days holy in our churches and in our homes. What can you do to set these days aside?
I certainly want to invite you – again! – to join us for the services of the Triduum – the great three days when we celebrate and observe the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is at 7:00pm on Holy Thursday night. We receive the Holy Oils used in the celebration of the sacraments in the year to come. We remember Jesus’ example of humble service by washing one another’s feet. We celebrate the gift of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, and we keep watch with Jesus in Gethsemane. The Church will be open until 10:00pm for private prayer.
The Memorial of the Lord’s Passion & Death is at 7:00pm on Good Friday night. We remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the Cross as we honor and venerate the Cross, lifting up our own prayers for the world. Our Gun Sense: For the Common Good ministry will have a Prayer Vigil outside at 2:00pm, and Stations of the Cross will be prayed in Church at 3:00pm. Remember that Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence, and no one should lightly excuse themselves from this obligation.
If possible, extend your fast through Holy Saturday, the day we wait in quiet and joyful hope for the Resurrection. Weather permitting, we will bless Easter baskets and encourage chalk drawings outside, beginning at 12:00 noon. The Great Easter Vigil is at 8:00pm on Holy Saturday night. We remember and acclaim Jesus as risen from the dead, the light of the world, and we see his new life as we baptize and welcome new members of our Catholic Church: Lexie, Sam, Andy, and Matt.
On Easter Sunday, Masses will be celebrated at 8:00am and 10:00am. Masses on Easter will be crowded, so please come early, be patient with one another, and welcome the visitors and guests you encounter.
What we do as a community is essential, but how will you mark these days on your own? The time between Church services is important too, so consider how you and your family can keep these days holy and prayerful. Can you turn off the TV or put down your phones and screens? Is there a spiritual book you’ve been wanting to read, or a spiritual podcast you want to listen to? When I was a boy, and still to this day, I’ve always listened to “Jesus Christ Superstar” in preparation for Easter. How will you mark these holy days?
Know of my prayers for you and your family for a blessed Triduum and Happy Easter. Let us keep these days together, let us keep these days holy in our hearts, and let us celebrate these days worthily and well!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. John Vien
Pastor
