From the Desk of Father Schaller - March 28, 2021

The Holy Season of Lent culminates in the Church’s celebration of Holy Week. There is no more important
observance in the Christian calendar than the celebration of the events of our salvation: the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; the institution of the Sacraments of Holy Orders and the Eucharist at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday; the suffering and death of the Lord on Good Friday; and His glorious resurrection on Easter. Each year, on Palm Sunday, the Church begins Holy Week by reading the Gospel account of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, and then reading the Passion story from one of the synoptic Gospels (i.e., Matthew, Mark, or Luke). This year the Passion account is taken from the Gospel of Mark. It is fitting that we get a “preview” of the events of Holy Week in the scripture readings on Palm Sunday. On Good Friday we will read the Passion story from the Gospel of St. John. (The Passion story is always taken from John on Good Friday.)

Plan now to participate in the whole Sacred Triduum: Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (7:00pm - followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight), Passion Service on Good Friday (12:30pm), and the most important celebration of the entire year, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday (8:00pm). This is what we have been preparing for all Lent. Last year we were deprived of observing these rites publicly because of the Wuhan Virus “shut-down”. What a joy it is that we can celebrate the Mysteries of our Faith in our beautiful church again! I strongly encourage you to attend all three services, if possible. Make this  a Holy Week!!
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May God bless you!
Fr. Schaller