It is official, this Sunday the Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is called Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, marks the halfway point of our Lenten Journey. Three weeks down and three weeks until Easter! In our busyness, we sometimes fail to plan ahead for Holy Week - the events that help us to make sense of the whole sacred Lenten desert experience.
Following the Palm Saturday 4:00 P.M. Mass (April 12th) we will celebrate our 40th Seder Supper. The Last Supper was the Passover Seder that Jesus celebrated with his disciples. The Seder deepens our understanding of why we gather for weekly Mass to “Do this in memory of me.” This is a family event. Pre-registration is required by April 6th by calling the office.
On Tuesday of Holy Week (April 15th), everyone is invited to the Chrism Mass at 10AM at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester where Bishop McManus will bless the Holy Oils we use for our sacraments through the coming year. If you would like to receive the Oils for our parish and attend the luncheon following the Mass, please let me know this week. At 7:30 that evening we to celebrate Tenebrae – the service of the shadows. Together, we reflect on the Passion and Death of Jesus, followed by the sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Triduum Services all begin at 7:30 P.M. We will welcome the Holy oils, celebrate the last supper, wash feet and spend some quiet time at the Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday.
Good Friday is a full day of reflection on the Lord’s Passion. Walk the Walk is a family friendly journey through the streets of Hopedale with prayer and reflection. We begin in the Church at 10:00 A.M. and end with a simple meal at Noon in the parish center. Plus, you have a chance to meet my dog Stashu!
Stations of the Cross will be at 3:00 P.M. in the church, and at 7:30 we gather in silence to continue the Triduum reflecting on the Passion of Jesus according to John.
Holy Saturday (April 19th) we gather at the Easter Fire at 7:30 to begin the Easter Vigil. We bless the Easter Candle, enter the church by candlelight to celebrate the gift of Christ’s resurrection. We listen to the story of salvation in darkness and the celebrate the joy of Easter and the Easter Sacraments for our two candidates, Brett Spano and Michael Johnson as they become fully initiated Catholics.
So, take a look at your calendar for Holy Week and plan to put some time aside for prayer and deepening your faith in Jesus Christ.