Palm Sunday 2008
Dear Parishioners,
Today we mark Palm Sunday with the blessing of Palms, with the Procession, and with the solemn reading of the Lord’s Passion and Death. This day marks the most holy of times in the Church’s year, the Holy Week.
During this week in which we celebrate the life-giving mysteries of our faith, take time to pray, to read the Sacred Scriptures, to fast and abstain. This holy time should be celebrated, not only at church, but also in our homes. The Church will be opened during the day should you wish to take time for prayer and reflection.
The Triduum, the three days of solemn prayer commemorating the saving deeds of God, will begin on Holy Thursday with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. At that Eucharist, feet will be washed, the Eucharist celebrated, and a procession will follow. Good Friday’s liturgy is the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion and Death. At Friday’s liturgy John’s Passion will be read, Solemn Intercessions for the whole Church will be prayed, Adoration of the Cross experienced by the congregation, and Communion shared.
The Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated during the night of Holy Saturday. The community will share in the Lighting of the New Fire, the Procession with the Christ Candle, the readings of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. The Liturgy of the Word reaches its highpoint with the baptism and confirmation of the new believers among us. After the Eucharist is proclaimed, these new believers will join us at the Lord’s Table for the first time.
All parishioners are invited to join in the celebration of these Easter mysteries during the Holy Week. Easter will be a wonderful celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection to new life. Please check the dates and times of these celebrations in the bulletin and plan on joining the parish community. The Lord’s peace and blessings during this most Holy Week.
Sincerely,
(Fr.) C. Donald Howard, S.A.
Pastor
