HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 

Holy Thursday: April 18, 2019 
*Note: Seder Meal, 5:00-6:00 p.m. has been cancelled.
Mass, 7:00 p.m. 
Repose of the Blessed Sacrament in the upper room of the Parish Center until midnight. Adorers will be needed. 

Good Friday: April 19, 2019 
Services, 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. 

Easter Vigil: April 20, 2019 
Mass, 8:30 p.m. 

Easter Sunday: April 21, 2019 
Mass, 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Gospel Photo of the Week



How To Get The Most Of Holy Week?

Starting Sunday, we are going to be witnesses to the greatest story ever. This is truly the "shock and awe" of the whole liturgical calendar. We are witnesses to Christ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and into His Passion and into salvation. On Tuesday, the Chrism liturgy is a magnificent celebration of the ecclesial response of the Lord's Bride, the Church to her Bridegroom. The Bishop, with his college of presbyters, his deacons, and all the apostolates that fall under his providential, beneficent shepherdship gather in communion to praise our God in the best way we know how.

The Chrism liturgy contains elements of the Ordained Priesthood renewing our vows to our Bishop, from whom we receive our faculties. Renewing our vow to be in service to Our Lord's people, though corporal and spiritual actions. The role of the Laity and other religions are also highlighted when all parishes, educational institutions, medical institutions, and Religious Orders operating in our Diocese and other organizations will receive the sacrament oils to be used in conferring the sacraments throughout the year. What a wonderful experience! and its only Tuesday.

This is my first Holy Week as a priest. From a personal standpoint, I am both intimidated and inspired. Having participated in many celebrations as a deacon, I know how moving spiritually they can be and I hope that I can contribute the same as the week unfolds. Also, with that in mind, I am asking for patience and participation in our liturgies.

Holy Thursday, we will have washing of the feet, that beautiful image of the servant leadership that is so lacking in the world, indeed, even in the Church. The rite is often referred to as the Mandatum, from Jesus' words at the Last Supper (Jn 13:14), and also the first word of one of the antiphons that can be chanted during the ceremony: "Mandatum novum do vobis…" (I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord.) This signifies unity and charity within our Christian community and should be symbolic of a parish working together for a common cause.

Good Friday, there will be two services, one during the day and the other for those who cannot get free from other obligations but can participate in an evening service. Lectors, altar servers and others will be needed to give proper place to the commemoration of the Lord's ultimate sacrifice of laying down His life for His friends.

Finally, Easter Vigil service is an opportunity to re-represent salvation history through chants, readings, and sacrament. It promises to be a wonderful event as multiple confirmations, bringing people into the fullness of the faith will take place.

My advice for getting the most out of Holy Week is to participate, to attend as many events as possible and then get out of the Holy Spirit's way and let Him transform you into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

2019 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal