Dear Friends,

This evening we will celebrate the Holy Thursday evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, as the Triduum begins. The Triduum consists of three twenty-four-hour periods that stretch over the four days from sundown on Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. These days are the holiest days of the Church year. The liturgies of the Triduum are more than historical commemorations of the events of the Last Supper and the Lord’s death and resurrection. Rather, these holy days remind us of who we are as Christian Catholic people. Jesus’ Passover from death to life is the central belief upon which our faith lies.

This evening’s readings remind us of God’s mighty deeds in passing over and saving the firstborn of the Israelites and bringing them safely from slavery to freedom. We are also reminded of Jesus’ great love for us demonstrated as he washed the feet of the disciples and as he gave us the gift of his Body and Blood for nourishment.   Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, modeling what we are called to do for others: “…as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Each time we receive the Precious Body and Blood, we are reminded of Jesus’ selfless love and His call for us to serve others. Tonight, we celebrate the gift of Eucharist, as well as the Priesthood.  At the end of Mass, there will be a solemn Eucharistic Procession.

I hope that your family will be able to join the parish community this evening for the Holy Thursday Mass that begins at 7:00 p.m. It is such a special and sacred Mass. I have included this evening’s Second Reading and Gospel at the end of this e-mail.

As we prepare to enter the Triduum, we pray for God’s continued grace and blessings in the lives of our parish and school families.  May each of us grow in our faith as we enter into the sacred Triduum.

God bless you,
Mrs. Katie Walsh