Dear Sacred Heart Family and Friends,Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday. This commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the events leading up to his death set the stage for the week to come. At some time during Holy Week, often on Tuesday or Wednesday, most dioceses will celebrate the Chrism Mass. At this celebration, usually at the Diocesan Cathedral, the Bishop will bless and distribute the three holy oils used at churches throughout the year: The oil used to anoint the sick, the oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism used when new members are initiated into the Church. Thursday of Holy Week marks the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, at which the Church celebrates the establishment of the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood present each time we gather and receive Holy Communion. This Liturgy also features the washing of the feet, a symbolic action in which the priest and other ministers wash the feet of members of the congregation as a sign of humble service of God’s people. Good Friday is the day for observance of the Lord’s Passion. This Liturgy, which is not a Mass, consists of reading the Gospel account of Christ’s trial, suffering, and death, as well as the veneration of the cross, an opportunity to prayerfully approach the cross and place there all our repentance, our sorrows, and our hopes. Holy Week culminates in the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
I invite you all to join us on these very special, spiritual and uplifting liturgies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil also known as the Triduum.
In Christ & Mary Immaculate,
Fr. James CMI
