Holy Week has begun! Please consider attending the beautiful celebrations happening this week. Here’s an explanation of some of the rituals and events of this week’s liturgies:

• “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion”… is the official title of today’s celebration. Our liturgy begins joyfully, as we recall the people waving palm branches and hailing Jesus as king. Then, the mood changes, as we participate in the reading of the Passion. We are called to enter into the story spiritually as disciples of Jesus, rather than as ones who wanted him   crucified. In our sung response throughout the proclamation of the Passion today, we pray: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
 
• The Chrism Mass… is a special Mass at St. Paul Cathedral at 10:00 on Holy Thursday morning when Bishop Zubik blesses the holy oils that are given to each parish: the oil of catechumens (used at baptisms), the sacred chrism (used at baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations), and the oil of the sick (used for the Anointing of the Sick). We priests also renew our priestly commitment at this liturgy. I always enjoy directing the Diocesan Choir for this Mass.

• On Holy Thursday… only one Mass is celebrated in each parish, the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, when we give thanks to God for the gift of the Eucharist. The washing of the feet symbolizes our call to offer our lives in Christian service. Following this Mass, both churches will be open for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Please consider stopping by.

• On Good Friday… we enter into the Passion story once again, and concentrate on the saving power of the wood of the cross. During the liturgical service scheduled at both churches, the annual Holy Land Collection will be taken for the upkeep of the holy places where Jesus lived. On Good Friday evening, a Tenebrae Service will be held at St. John Capistran.

• The great Easter Vigil… is the most important Mass of the year! Although it is longer than a usual Mass, it is time well spent, as we celebrate the church’s ancient rituals. Please consider coming to this wonderful celebration, which will only be held at St. Thomas More at 8:30 p.m. It does count for Easter Sunday, by the way! Note that there are no confessions or other Masses next Saturday at either church.

• Easter Sunday… This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! It’s also a day when the crowds are greater at church. All are welcome, but please be patient with the crowded conditions, and come early for a good seat!

For a complete schedule of our parish Holy Week events, please see page 5 of today’s bulletin.