Dear Friends,

Today we will celebrate Holy Thursday. Lent will end at Sundown, and we will begin the Triduum, the holiest, most sacred three days of the Church year. We will celebrate Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Last Supper at 7:00 p.m. this evening. A ritual celebrated at this Mass is the washing of the feet when we reenact Jesus’ living example of service to others and His call for us to serve one another.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, the day when we remember the Passion of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. (Stations of the Cross), 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. At the 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. services, there will be Veneration of the Cross. This is a very powerful experience, and it would mean a lot to the students to be able to experience this solemn tradition.

On Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, we rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. On Holy Saturday evening, we celebrate the Vigil of Easter when we welcome the newly baptized into the Church. This beautiful Mass, which begins at 8:00 p.m., is the high point of the liturgical year. During Mass, parishioners will receive the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation). We remember the Elect in our prayers as they prepare to become Catholic and join our faith community at the table of the Lord.

Masses on Easter will be celebrated at 6:30 a.m. (sunrise in Central Park), 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. (There will not be a 6:00 p.m. Mass.) During these holy days of the Triduum, I hope that your family will join our parish community in the many special and meaningful liturgical celebrations. We have journeyed through Lent in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, and we prepare to rejoice at his Resurrection on Easter. May the love of Christ bless your family at this holy time of year.

In Christ’s peace,
Mrs. Katie Walsh