๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซโ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ง – ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐
This Sunday we begin the Holiest week of the Church year. Today we celebrate Jesusโ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and how he was greeted by the people waving palms. Our Mass quickly takes a turn as we read from the Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. We are taught that true glory and happiness comes only when we embrace the crosses in our lives.
On Monday evening Fr. Thomas will be at St. Stephenโs Church in Marathon from 4:00- 7:00PM participating in the Diocesan-wide program โThe Light is on for you.โ This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to encounter our Lord Jesus in a special way in the Sacrament of Confession. This is a wonderful and traditional way to prepare for the feast of Easter.
On Tuesday morning Fr. Thomas and I will be attending the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. It is at this Mass that all the oils that are used for the sacraments in the upcoming year.
On Holy Thursday we will have the Mass of the Lordโs Supper at St. Patrickโs Church in Whitney Point at 6:00PM. This Mass recalls how the Lord Jesus instituted the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders on this holy evening.
On Good Friday we will have the Liturgy of the Lordโs Passion at 6:00PM at St. Stephenโs Church in Marathon. It is at this liturgy that we recall the depth of Godโs love for us as we recall His passion and death.
The Solemn Easter Vigil will take place at St. Patrickโs church at 8:00PM on Holy Saturday evening. On this evening the fire is blessed, the Holy water is blessed and Fr. Thomas will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation as Kim Wheeler is accepted into the Church.
On Easter Sunday, we will have Mass in St. Stephenโs Church at 10:15 and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 12:00 noon. Make your plans now to accompany our Lord Jesus during this holiest week of the year.
On the Tuesday after Easter, I will be having some surgery on my ankle. The doctor tells me that I will have to stay off the ankle for 4-6 weeks. Please keep me in prayer during this time as Fr. Thomas provides the pastoral care for our parish community.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!
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