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Note From The Pastor
“We adore you and we bless you, Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all the churches which are in the whole world, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”
~ St. Francis of Assisi
Today begins Holy Week. My memories of Holy Week as a child are vivid. I recall the sights, sounds and smells of those days. The rituals and story were compelling to me, even as a child (maybe because this was before cable TV and the internet). From covered statues, songs sung in minor key, processions and the recalling of Jesus’ passion read in parts, all captured my young imagination and I felt I came to know Jesus better. It planted seeds of faith deep within me.
Through the liturgies of this Holy week, we (as a Church family) make the annual walk with Jesus from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to His sharing of the Last Supper with his Apostles, to His suffering and death on the Cross, and finally to His resurrection Easter morning. I invite you to walk with us in the parishes of our pastorate this week. We have a full schedule at each parish. Please plan to participate in as much as you are able. The schedule is printed in this bulletin. Reservations are not needed at either parish for Easter Masses.
Parents, I know many of you are weary from guiding children through online learning and other pandemic challenges. Still, I ask you to make an extra effort to make Holy Week and Easter important, and a moment to teach faith. This happens both in how you choose to participate in the liturgies as a family, and how you speak to your children about these days. It is important for all of us to share why these are the most important days of our faith. Grandparents, you can also set an example, and share about your own experiences of Holy Week and Easter. Share some of your memories and why they are important to you.
Consider some of the following: Join in the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening or read the scripture accounts of the Last Supper as a family. Consider setting aside quiet time on Good Friday. Pray a family Stations of the Cross or Divine Mercy chaplet. Talk about how sacrifice is important to show love. If you are coloring eggs, share how this activity is related to Jesus’ resurrection and new life. Easter baskets are great, but include something religious with the candy. There is a great online resource at a website for parents with children called Catholic Icing. You may find it at: Catholicicing.com/ultimate-guide-for-celebrating-holy/. There are many simple ways to enter into these holy days.
On Good Friday, the public schools in Hamilton County go on Spring break. Many of you may take this opportunity to get away. If you are heading out of town, plan ahead how you will celebrate Easter. Check out a Catholic Church in the area in which you will be staying, and find out if they will be taking reservations for Easter. If you aren’t able to attend Easter Mass, join one of our Easter Masses via livestream. Spring Break need not be a break from Church and our faith.
This week we walk with Jesus on His path of love to the Cross and the Resurrection. This is what it means to contemplate His Paschal Mystery. Let us each make this a very Holy Week.
“When we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus, He grants us, according to the measure of our faith, the grace to practice the virtues He revealed during those sacred hours.”
~ St. Angela Merici
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Dale