Archive for month: March, 2018

 Holy Week is the heart of the liturgical year.  Official church rituals and other traditions observed during this week remember and make present the passing of Jesus from life, to death, and to new life.   The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

 

Holy Thursday: March 29, 7pm in the Church

Along with the rituals typically done in Mass, the priest will ceremonially wash the feet of several parishioners.  This is the action of the priest imitating Jesus’ Last Super action of humility and service, when he washed the disciples’ feet.

 

Good Friday Service: March 30, 7pm in the Church

On Good Friday, Mass is not celebrated.  We participate in the liturgy of the word with a reading of the passion narrative and psalms prophesying the suffering of Jesus.  The congregation will also venerate the cross, a slow procession of people to kiss a cross held by ministers.  The evening will end with a communion service with hosts consecrated the night before.

 

Easter Vigil: March 31, 8:30pm in the Church

The Easter Vigil begins and ends in darkness. It is a nocturnal vigil, retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation, as the Christian people await the Resurrection of the Lord during the night. Fire is blessed and the paschal candle is lighted to illumine the night so that all may hear the Easter proclamation and listen to the word of God proclaimed in the Scriptures. The Vigil is also when we welcome those who have been preparing for the sacraments of initiation.  This year we will celebrate the initiation of three young ladies into the Catholic Church: Kali Anderson/Sparrow, Sapphira Godbey, and Hailey Smith.

 

Easter Sunday Masses: April 1, 8am and 11am in the Church

The theme of Easter morning echoes that of the Easter Vigil: Jesus is raised from the dead and is Lord.  Those who believe and are baptized share in this resurrection to new life.