The Palm Sunday celebration that begins the celebration of Holy Week is such an important step on our Lenten journey towards Easter. Today, the Church celebrates this sixth Sunday of Lent as both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. This is the time of year we stop to remember and relive the events that brought about our redemption and salvation. What we commemorate and rehve during this week is not just Jesus’ dying and rising, but our own dying and rising in Jesus, which will result in our healing, reconciliation, and redemption. Attentive participation in the Holy Week liturgy will deepen our relationship with God, increase our Faith, and strengthen our lives as disciples of Jesus.
Today’s liturgy combines contrasting moments, one of glory and one of suffering: the royal welcome of Jesus in Jerusalem, and the drama of the trial, culminating in the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. So, what should we do during this time?
We need to welcome Jesus into our hearts in a special way during Holy Week, we must be ready to surrender our lives to Jesus and welcome Him into all areas of our life as our Lord and Savior, singing “Hosanna.”
Today, we receive palm branches at the Divine Liturgy. Let us take them to our homes and put them in a place where we can always see them. Let the palms remind us that Christ is the King of our families, that Christ is the King of our hearts, and that Christ is the only true answer to our quest for happiness and meaning in our lives. And if we do proclaim Christ as our King, let us try to make time for Him in our daily life. Let us remember that He is the One with Whom we will be spending eternity. Let us be reminded further that our careers, our education, our finances, our homes, and all of the basic material needs in our lives are only temporary. Let us prioritize and place Christ the King as the primary concern in our lives. It is only when we have done this that we will find true peace and happiness in our confused and complex world.
A few announcements for this Holy of Holies week!
Invitation for the Holy Triduum
You and your family are invited to join us, as we celebrate the Sacred Triduum this week at St. Genevieve-St. Maurice church. The times of service are:
- Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 2, at 7pm. Nightwatch in the chapel immediately following until 12pm on Good Friday
- Good Friday, Stations of the Cross, April 3, 12:15pm, Passion of the Lord, Friday April 3, at 1pm.
- Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, Saturday April 4, at 8pm.
The three days of the Sacred Triduum recall the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Chrism Mass, which will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at 10am, manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop, even if, as will happen this year, nearly all of the priests of the diocese will be absent.
During the Chrism Mass, the bishop also blesses three oils the oil of catechumens, the oil of the infirm, and holy chrism which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year. The Sacred Triduum is traditionally celebrated as one celebration which leads us to the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection celebrated on Easter.
Fish Fry gratitude
Words cannot express my gratitude to all of you for the role you played in making this year’s Lenten Fish Fry so successful ( even despite of one week with No Fish Fry – no power!). It is not possible for me to name you all, as there were so many people who stepped up to help this year. With the Fish Fry Committee, and the help of so many of you, it was truly a team effort. All I can say is a heartfelt thank you to everyone.
A New TV in the Gathering Area
In the gathering area you can see the last Euchre tournament 50/50 fundraiser trophy. A new 55′ TV to present the advertisements and activities of different ministries in our parish. Thank you to all of these who donated. But do not think that starting today I will give up the announcements at the end of Mass.
I wish you real holiness in your life during this Holy Week!
Fr. Tom