Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS, HOLY WEEK

MARCH 29, 2026

Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the Palm Sunday celebration and first day of the Holy Week that will lead us to the celebration of Easter. The Holy Week has beautiful and unique Liturgies.  Palm Sunday begins with a Gospel Reading of Jesus’ triumphant journey and entry into Jerusalem. People laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches with the song of Hosanna and blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. This welcome annoyed the religious leaders of the time, and they were determined to kill Jesus. The Passion of the Lord according to Matthew will be taken. Let this first day of the Holy Week be a day of prayer and meditation on the suffering Jesus endured.

Let me also make an honest examination of myself with the various characters in the Passion of Jesus.

On Monday, March 30th Bishop Barry C Knestout will celebrate the Chrism Mass together with all the Priests of the Diocese. Each priest will renew his commitment to minister with reverence, honesty and truthfulness before the bishop. The bishop will bless and consecrate the Holy Oils of Catechumen, the Sick and Chrisim.

The celebration of the Triduum – three days leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus will begin on Thursday- April 2nd. The Church celebrates the Lord’s Supper and institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Ministerial Priesthood. There is also a ritual of the washing of the feet. A symbol of humility, love and service to the Body of Christ. Hopefully, there will be volunteers for this ritual.

The Blessed Sacrament will be removed from the Tabernacle to the Altar of rest where people may find time for private prayer and adoration. Let us be encouraged by the words of Jesus to his apostles; “can’t you stay awake with me for an hour?”

Good Friday – April 3rd marks the celebration of the Passion of the Lord and will be preceded by the Stations of the Cross, the reading of the Passion according to John, then the veneration of Cross, Solemn Prayer Intercessions and receiving of Holy Communion.

April 4th is the celebration of the Easter Vigil. We are very fortunate this year to have the Baptism of new members joining the Catholic Communion. The celebration will begin outside. The Main Celebrant will enter the Church chanting Light of Christ- “Lumen Christi”, responding; Thanks be to God or Deo gratias. Those present will renew our faith in Jesus our life, hope and resurrection.

April 5th is Easter Sunday as we sing the Alleluia song of victory.

Have a fruitful celebration of the Holy Week and God bless.