Holy Week is finally here, and our Lenten journey will end soon! So, let us take a look at some of the great celebrations as we enter this most Sacred Week of the Church year.

Palm Sunday – the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion. We are all familiar with carrying and blessing the palms in church. This rite recalls Jesus coming into Jerusalem as the crowds cheer him on, only to turn on him a few days later. The colors of the Mass on Palm Sunday are red, symbolizing the redemption in blood that Christ paid for the world.

Holy Thursday – it is the day when the Church celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. There are four parts to this mass. First, the reception of the blessed oils from the Chrism Mass. Second, the washing of the feet, symbolizing Jesus Christ who washed the feet of his Disciples. Third, the institution of the Eucharist and of the Priesthood. And fourth, the transfer of the Eucharist, where Jesus is taken in procession through the Church, as a symbol of his final journey to Calvary. Then, after a period of adoration until midnight, the Eucharist is removed from the Church in preparation for Good Friday.

Good Friday – the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. There is no Mass on Good Friday. Holy Communion comes from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. All enter and leave the church in silence. We read the Passion story, and we venerate the Cross. This is a time for us to recognize just how much our God loves us, and how He was willing to suffer anything, even death on a cross to save us. Church bells are silent. Altar is left bare.

Easter Vigil/Sunday – the great feast of the Resurrection of our Lord and the holiest day of the year. We gather after dark with an outdoor fire, and we enter a dark church where we hear the great stories of how God has saved his people. We bless holy water. Sacraments are performed, such as baptism and confirmation for adults who will become full members of the Church. With great joy we celebrate the single greatest reality that changed the world forever - Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!

I invite you to join us as we gather to celebrate the central mystery of the Church year. I pray that all of you will take the time this week to participate in as many of the Holy Week services as you are able. May the celebration of our Lord’s saving death and glorious resurrection be a special time of grace for all of us.

As your Pastor, I could not be more grateful for your generosity, and I humbly hope that you will once again share your blessings and support our parish this Easter as you did at Christmas. Your gifts are our lifeline! May I humbly ask you to consider a special extra Easter gift to St. John’s of $100 in addition to your regular donations? With your help we try our best to stay financially sound. Please remember that I treasure every one of you and the dedication, sacrifices, and hard work you have given to our parish over the years. I thank you in advance for your support, understanding, and kindness. May God bless you and reward you and may He keep you as you prepare yourselves and your families for the celebration of the Holy Week.

God Bless,
Fr. Gregg