A Word from Your Pastor - March 29 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Dear Parishioners:

Happy Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord!

Now that we have completed our journey through all but the last few days of Lent, it is time to take stock.  Are you ready for Easter?  How will you finish up your Lenten preparations and open your heart to the graces of the Easter Season?  We have fasted, now it is time to feast.

I propose that we seek to live the Easter Season with the same intensity as we have lived Lent, or better.  You have Prayed, Fasted and Given Alms.  Can you now move into a time of Praise, Feasting and Sharing Life?

Palm Sunday is the opening of Holy Week.  We are given the opportunity to re-live the final days of the life of our Lord, watching as His Passion unfolds and as He is buried in sorrow.  Then we are invited to hear the Good News of the Resurrection and to enter into a new awareness of the meaning of all that has come before.

This week, I invite you to be part of all that goes on at St. Timothy for Holy Week:

Tuesday of Holy Week, come to St. Joseph Cathedral for the Chrism Mass.  In this Solemn Mass, the Church and her Sacraments are highlighted.  Bishop Campbell and the priests of the Diocese renew their commitment to live the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which was instituted at the Last Supper.  (The Chrism Mass is properly the Mass of Holy Thursday morning, but it is anticipated so that more may be present.)  The Bishop also blesses the three sacred oils that are used for the Sacraments throughout the coming year: The Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism.  This celebration is impressive for the presence of the whole People of God surrounding the Bishop.

Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrates the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, the Institution of the Priesthood, and the Call to Service (symbolized by the Washing of the Feet – the Mandatum).  We have a special Eucharistic Procession with the First Holy Communion Class serving as Honor Guard.  Adoration continues at the Altar of Repose until Midnight.  Consider coming to spend time with the Lord in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

Good Friday, we have Stations of the Cross and the Seven Last Words between 12 and 3 p.m.  The Good Friday Service is celebrated twice: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the Passion according to John, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil is celebrated at night: the lighting of the Paschal Fire, the Liturgy of the Word with readings of Salvation History, and Reception into Full Communion of those who seek to join us in our Catholic Faith.

Easter Sunday Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. welcome many who are with us to hear the Good News of the Resurrection.  All are invited to be ministers of hospitality and welcome.

Make plans to live the Easter Season fully.