Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS PALM SUNDAY

APRIL 13, 2025

Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the celebration of Palm Sunday and first day of the Holy Week for the year 2025. On Palm Sunday, the celebration of the Liturgy begins at the foyer as the weather may be unfriendly. Two Gospel Readings are taken; one at the foyer and the Passion of Jesus according to Luke in this cycle C.

 Palm Sunday celebration recalls the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where he accomplished the Paschal Mysteries of Suffering, Passion, and Glorious Resurrection. The Palms that will be handed over to us are symbols of victory. Let us equally overcome sin as we share in his new life of Glorious Resurrection and live accordingly to our Lenten resolutions.

 The Bishop of our Diocese the Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout will celebrate the Chrism Mass with all the Priests present working in the Diocese at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Richmond on Monday, April 14 at 6:00PM. He will consecrate the Holy Oils for use in dispensing Sacraments; Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick and Ordination to the Priesthood. At this Mass, the priests present will renew our commitment to serve God in his people and pledge obedience to the Bishop of the Diocese.

 Holy Thursday April 17th begins the Triduum- the three days before Easter. Mass to celebrate the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and ministerial Priesthood will begin at Holy Infant at 5.00 pm and Shepherd of the Hills at 6.00 pm. There will be reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the Adoration Chapel at Shepherd of the Hills and the Church Hall at Holy Infant. Please let every member find some time to be before Jesus in the Eucharist at least for 30 minutes.

Good Friday is the celebration of the Lord’s Passion as we honor the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. The Passion of Jesus according to John will be read, Prayer of the Church, Veneration of the cross and finally Holy Communion.

Easter Vigil celebration will begin at 7.00 pm outside the Church with the blessing of the fire and lighting the Easter Candle. The congregation will enter the church with lit candles responding to the call of the main celebrant; Light of Christ; Thanks be to God. 

The Exultet- the Song announcing the Resurrection will be sung after which will follow the Liturgy of the Word beginning with the Old Testament. It will be followed by singing the Gloria accompanied with ringing of bells as a sign to announce the Easter Joy.  There will be Renewal of the Baptismal Vows after which Mass will proceed normally. 

Easter Sunday is the celebration of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus. Mass time at Shepherd of the Hills 8.30 am and will be followed by the Egg hunt and breakfast. Mass at Holy infant will be at 11.00 am.    

Have a Blessed Holy Week and Easter.