The 4th Sunday of Lent

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are halfway through Lent, and many of us are beginning to think seriously about Holy Week. As this year’s preface for Passion Sunday proclaims: “The days of Christ’s life-giving death and glorious resurrection are approaching. This is the hour when he triumphed over Satan’s pride—the time when we celebrate the great event of our redemption.” The Church gives ritual expression to the Paschal Mystery in every one of the sacraments, but the high point of that expression is the annual celebration of the Paschal Triduum.

Jesus died on or near Passover, and the Triduum draws our attention to that feast, with its themes of deliverance and freedom. Beyond a Passover theme, Holy Thursday focuses on Jesus’ trust in God and on his farewell to those whom he loved; the Easter Vigil focuses on God’s call to life both in nature and in the hearts of all who believe. In between, Good Friday focuses on the victorious Lamb, whose life-giving death was the ultimate reconciliation between God and humankind. Each liturgy invites us in as full participants, not as onlookers to a historical re-enactment.

Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins at 7:30 PM in chapel and ends around 9:00. The faith community’s traditional Holy Thursday meal will precede the Mass at 6:00 PM in the undercroft. All are welcome at either or both events. The church will remain open afterwards for those who wish to pray in silence.

On Good Friday our liturgical celebration of Christ’s victory begins at 7:00 PM in chapel and lasts about an hour. Again, all are welcome.

Our Easter Vigil begins after sunset at 8:30 PM and should last a little less than two hours. You are welcome to participate in all or part of it. A service of fire and light begins outside and moves inside, lasting about fifteen minutes. The Liturgy of the Word begins around 8:45 and lasts about forty-five minutes. A short service of water and baptismal renewal begins around 9:30. The Vigil ends with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, beginning around 9:45 and lasting about half an hour. Please join us for as much or as little as you can.


Peace and every blessing,
Loren, OFM