Latest Letter to the Parish

A Letter to the Parish from Father Bob Evans – March 26, 2010:

Dear Friends,

This weekend, we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn time in our liturgical year. We reach the summit of our year during the Easter Triduum, from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though these days are chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery.

We will begin our celebration of the Triduum with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday at 7:00 PM. During this Mass we celebrate the three gifts that Jesus has given to His Church: the priesthood, the Eucharist, and a Love that is even stronger than death. Following the celebration of the Lord's Supper the Blessed Sacrament will be in repose in the Perpetual Help Chapel. We will have Solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight.

On Good Friday we celebrate this day that Our Lord gave himself up for us thus redeeming us from sin and death. Our celebration begins with Stations of the Cross at 3:00 PM, and concluding with services at 7:00 PM which include the celebration of the Lord's Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. I will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation before and after both celebrations on Good Friday. Confessions will begin 45 minutes before each service and will continue for as long as necessary after each service.

Holy Saturday, the day of waiting for the Lord Resurrection, concludes with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This celebration is truly the summit of our year. Jesus, who took on our human flesh, who suffered and died for us, now rises in that same human body, glorified and immortal, as befits the new life of Resurrection. We begin our celebration of the Vigil at 8:00 PM with the blessing of the Easter fire. We will have the fire on the front porch of the church if the weather permits. Following our celebration we will have a reception to welcome our newest members in the faith.

Our celebration of our salvation continues on Easter Sunday with Mass at 8:00 AM, and 10:00 AM.

May we all give thanks to God this week for the gift of His Son and the eternal gift of salvation. May Jesus Christ be praised!

Fr. Bob