Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The observance of Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. The blessed palm branches we have should be taken home and hung by the family crucifix as a reminder that we proclaim Jesus our Savior. Every Catholic home should have a crucifix prominently displayed as a sign of our Faith to all who enter.

On Holy Thursday, the Sacred Triduum begins (Latin “Triduum” means “three days”). On that day there is only one Mass in the parish to emphasize our unity and gratitude to Jesus for great gifts of the Eucharist and priesthood. It also stresses our love that expresses itself in service to others.

On Good Friday, God brought us salvation through the sacrifice of His Son. The church remains dark and the tabernacle empty. We commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus on that evening by reading St. John’s account of our Lord’s passion and death. Then we have the Veneration of the Cross. Through his Passion, Jesus teaches us to recognize how others are suffering, to affirm their dignity and to help unburden their crosses.

On Holy Saturday from 9am till 3:00pm we adore Jesus in “the tomb” and bless the food on the top of the hour. The custom of blessing food for Easter arose from the discipline of fasting throughout Lent and the special Easter fast during the Easter Triduum. Easter was the first day when meat, eggs, and other foods could again be eaten.

The Sacred Triduum comes to a joyful climax with the Easter Vigil Mass which is offered after sunset on Holy Saturday. In the mystery of this most holy night, the candle is a pillar of fire. The font is the cleansing water of salvation. And the altar is our banquet, a eucharistic feast before the Lord, our God.

The Holy Week services provide us with an opportunity to remember and give thanks in a beautiful and moving way. So, I encourage all of you to participate in the Holy Triduum celebrations. Additional please take note that all our celebrations will be live streamed (links are available on parish website).

I strongly believe that more than anything else in 2026, we need the hope of the empty tomb, we need the hope of the resurrection. May the blessings and hope of Easter bring joy to you and your family, and may you feel the comfort and love of the Risen Lord as we enter the new life that spring brings to us.

Sincerely in Christ, F.Stan