Dear Parishioners:
We are approaching "The Three Great Days", Easter Triduum, when we celebrate the Paschal Mystery (Christ's death and resurrection). The Triduum begins when Lent ends with the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. The Church teaches us that celebrating these Three Great Days is one single celebration - One Liturgy in Three Acts. We are invited to enter this Hole season with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving for our sharing in the Paschal Mystery with the openness and desire to deepen and renew our life in Christ and to strengthen our community so that we are able to proclaim this Mystery to other. Holy Thursday: We remember the Passover feast of the Jewish people and the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples when we celebrate the Eucharist this evening. Before he offers himself on the Cross, Jesus takes bread and says, "This is my body." He takes a cup of wine and says, "This is my Blood of the new covenant shed to save all sinners. Do this in memory of me". We obey Him each time we come together to celebrate the Eucharist. Good Friday: This morning, we begin our two day fast in preparation for the Easter Vigil. We eat less food and cut our entertainments in preparation for the Easter Vigil. There are days of prayer and meditation with Friday and Saturday being a sort of mini Lent. Out of the death of Jesus, God has brought us to light and life, making it possible for us to be saved. This is indeed a good day for the world. Holy Saturday: On this day, the body of Jesus lay in the guarded tomb and the frightened disciples hid behind locked doors. In the Church, Holy Saturday is a quiet day, the great Sabbath rest. The paschal fast continues and we continue to avoid entertainment and distractions. EASTER Easter Vigil: This service is the most important celebration of the Church year. it takes place during the dark hours of the night and has four distinct stages: Light Service, Liturgy of the Word, Christian Initiation and Eucharist. This year we have four candidates for Christian Initiation. They are Grace Schults, Brittany Ogilvie, Ireland Solomon and Malackee Solomon. Easter Day: The joyful celebration of our Lord's rising. Alleluia! Meaning "Praise to God!" is our shout of joy. Holy Week and the Easter season offer us an opportunity to share more fully with Jesus in his suffering and in his glory. Are we open to his love for us? Fr. Franjo Sprajc Pastor
0 Comments
|
Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
|