Holy Week begins this weekend with our reading of the Passion. This is our most sacred time of the year. Despite Spring Break and family vacations, despite basketball games, and despite the spring weather, we need to keep our focus this week. This is a week for prayer.
At 6:30 on Palm Sunday evening, Dr. Tom McGovern will conclude his series on the Passion of Christ. We will hear some very interesting insights into the details of crucifixion and the death of the Lord.
On Tuesday evening, the Solemn Chrism Mass takes place at the Cathedral at 7 p.m. The sacred oils used for sacraments will be blessed and the priests of the diocese will renew their vows. It is a beautiful liturgy filled with pomp. Come early to get a seat.
On Thursday evening we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. Recalling the Last Supper, we will have a washing of feet and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament out of the church. The church will be open for quiet prayer from this Mass until Easter morning.
Our Good Friday service will be at 12:30. We will read the Passion according to John, we will venerate the cross, and Holy Communion will be distributed. Stations of the Cross will also be offered at 3:00 and 7 p.m. this is a day for fasting and abstinence.
The Solemn Easter Vigil begins at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Our Easter fire will be burning outside for the blessing of the new Easter Candle. In a church lit by candles, the Exsultet will be sung and a series of readings will give the story of salvation. We will break into a glorious Alleluia as the Resurrection Gospel is proclaimed. Our elect will then be baptized and Confirmed.
Our Easter Sunday Masses are scheduled at 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 and 5 p.m. With grand music and a lot of Alleluias, we will celebrate the Good News. Please invite friends and relatives as we celebrate on this sacred day.
