Administrator’s Column

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I heard a teacher once tell her students, “Holy Week is not the time to play liturgical leapfrog.” I chuckled.

The temptation for many Catholics is to skip from Palm Sunday and go directly to Easter Sunday without participating in the solemn observances throughout Holy Week. Many simply miss out on the important things being emphasized during these sacred days.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday present central aspects of our faith, elements we otherwise don’t see as pointedly any other time of the year. For example, there is no other time in our liturgical year when feet are washed as a reminder for us to take seriously Jesus’ mandate to love one another – a love that requires sacrifice. It’s also the night when we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist and priesthood.

Good Friday invites us to reflect on the passion and death of our Savior through the Gospel of John. We also focus in a special manner on the mystery of the Cross by coming up to venerate the “instrument for our salvation.”

And the Easter Vigil (beginning at 9pm) invites us to reflect on our salvation history, from the time of Genesis leading to Christ’s death and resurrection. We begin with the blessing of fire which will light our new Paschal candle. The blessing of new water will be used to bring our Elect into the Church through baptism. “On this most holy night, all creation is restored and sings to the glory of God!”

In addition to these central liturgies, we have additional opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Stations of the Cross. So, please don’t play liturgical leapfrog and make the time to truly enter into this Holy Week. Be assured of my continued prayers for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely yours in Christ Crucified,

Father Gurnick