Holy Week

04-03-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Michael Straley

Next weekend we begin the final part of our Journey to Jerusalem celebrating Passion (Palm) Sunday. There will be a couple of minor changes since COVID restrictions are no longer in place, so please watch the bulletin or website carefully.

Of course, Sunday we will begin outside with the Blessing of the Palms, and then process, palms will be available after Mass outside the church. Monday is a special day for us priests. We have a day of reflection together followed by dinner and the Chrism Mass where the Holy Oils are blessed for the coming year and we renew our priestly promises. Masses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are normal at 9:00am. There is no Mass on Thursday morning!

Thursday evening we begin the Solemn Triduum. Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins at 7:30pm celebrating the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist. After Mass, we process to the Altar of Repose (remembering Gethsemane) for Adoration. This year, Adoration will end at 10:00pm.

Friday, we have confessions from 10:00am until noon, with no more confessions before Easter. The traditional Adoration of the Holy Cross begins at 3:00pm with communion. Remember, there is no Mass on Good Friday or Saturday morning.

Our Easter Vigil Mass begins at 7:30pm with the blessing of the fire and lighting the Pascal Candle. The Easter Vigil Mass is about 3 hours long, so it might be difficult for the little children although they are welcome. This year we will welcome 9 new Catholic into the sacraments of our Church!

Again, this is not a “business as usual” week, so watch the schedule carefully so that you do not miss any of our wonderful celebrations!