Read this week's message from Father Don
Dear parishioners
Next Sunday, March 24, we will celebrate Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday), the beginning of Holy Week, the heart of the Church’s liturgical year.
Through five celebrations, the Church will immerse itself in the great mystery of Christ Crucified and Risen:
On Palm Sunday we will walk in procession carrying palm branches in honour of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem a few days before his death. Also at the liturgy we will read the account of the Passion of Jesus from St Mark’s gospel.
On Holy Thursday, March 28 at 7 pm, we will celebrate the Mass of the Last Supper, recalling Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist. After the homily, we will reenact Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet, an expression of his humble service, given as an example for us to follow. Please bring donations of food for the poor. After mass, adoration of the Eucharist will be held in the Parish Hall.
On Good Friday, March 29 at 3 pm, we will recall the death of Jesus upon the cross, his voluntary sacrifice in which he defeated death forever and took upon himself the burden of our sinfulness. Venerating the cross will lead us face-to-face with this frightening awesome mystery: God in the flesh, dying for our salvation. At 2:30 pm the Seven Last Words devotion will be presented and for children there will be outdoor Stations of the Cross at 10 am.
On Easter Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 pm, we will celebrate the Easter Vigil, an ancient liturgy and the first mass of Easter. It will feature the blessing of the Easter candle, several Old Testament readings, the baptism of adult converts and the first Eucharist of the Easter season.
On Easter Sunday we will rejoice with the whole Church at Christ’s rising from the dead. “Alleluia” will be sung and the faithful will renew their baptismal promises. It will be a time of great celebration in the parish. Brunch will be served after the morning masses along with an Easter Egg Hunt and fun activities for kids.
Let us participate fully in this most holy week of the Church year.