Holy Week is only three weeks away, with Palm/Passion Sunday falling on April 13. The special liturgies of note that week are the following:
           

• Palm/Passion Sunday—We begin with the blessing and procession of palms, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then, at the Liturgy of the Word, we will read the Passion from the Gospel of St. Luke.

• Chrism Mass—The Chrism Mass is celebrated at the Cathedral with Bishop Iffert and all the priests of our diocese, on Tuesday evening. At this Mass, the three sacred oils (Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Infirm, and the Sacred Chrism) are blessed, the priests renew their priestly promises, and there is a procession with parish banners.

         

• Holy Thursday—We celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Special aspects are the washing of feet and the procession with the Blessed Sacrament, recalling Jesus and the Apostles processing from the Upper Room to the Mount of Olives.

         

• Good Friday—This service commemorates the crucifixion of our Lord. We begin with the reading of the Passion according to St. John, which is followed by the veneration of the Cross, and then communion. The service will be at noon.

         

• The Easter Vigil—We'll begin at 9 pm on Holy Saturday Night. There is a vigil of readings from the Old Testament, followed by the Liturgy of Initiation, with baptisms and confirmations, and finally we celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with communion.

    

• Easter Morning—Our Mass times will be as usual. Please try to attend as many of these services as possible.