Dear Fellow Parishioners, What a difference a year makes! We begin Holy Week with the celebration of Palms and Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Last year all our services were livestreamed with no one allowed in church. This year I am so pleased that we are allowed to gather. Please note that we have limited space in the church so reservations are necessary and can be made by calling the parish office. We will again provide drive through distribution of Palms on Palm Sunday only after the 9:30 Mass. For our celebrations we will be using the “Pandemic Rite” as we want everyone to be safe as we gather. Tenebrae will be held in the church at 7:30 Tuesday. Paper will be provided to write down that which you are seeking forgiveness, after it is handed to me you will receive absolution then you will have a chance to nail your folded slip on to the cross for veneration on Good Friday.
On Holy Thursday we will again be using the “Pandemic Rite” there will be no procession with the Eucharist to the Altar of Repose which will be in the Day Chapel again this year for livestreaming purposes and Adoration will end at 9:30 P.M. Again, we will not have the foot washing ceremony.
We will not be able to safely hold Walk the Walk but will have Stations of the Cross in the church at 12:00 Noon. We will have a simple meal of chowder and bread for take out or bring a lawn chair and gather in the parking lot. You must request chowder, so we have enough, and distribution will begin at 12:30 P.M. The Good Friday service will be at 7:30 P.M. Veneration of the Cross will be a bow or genuflection.
Holy Saturday just a few of us will be able to gather to light the Easter Fire, then as the Easter Candle is processed in you will have a chance to light your candle and share the light of Christ with those in your pew. Again, for all services reservations are required for everyone’s safety. Easter Sunday Mass at 9:30 reservations required. If necessary, we will add another Easter Sunday Mass.
We are trying to make sure that everyone is gathering safely for worship during this sacred time. I thank you all for your understanding and cooperation. This has added to the responsibilities of Pam and Tina; I thank them both for so conscientiously striving to keep us all safe as we gather in worship.