Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Blessed Passiontide
This weekend begins the final two weeks of Lent also known as Passiontide.  The joy of Easter is almost here, but we have to first accompany our Blessed Lord in His Passion.  We mark this time with the covering of statues and images that leads us into next week’s celebration of Palm Sunday when the Passion Narrative is proclaimed at Holy Mass. This even more somber time invites us to walk with Jesus and carry the Cross with Him.  At times priests receive comments about music at Mass asking that we sing more “upbeat” songs and hymns.  While perhaps there are times appropriate for that, Lent is not the time, and especially this time of the season.  This is not a time to make ourselves artificially depressed, but to embrace a somber solemnity and even more rev event silence.  There will not be any organ and only sparse hymns. Easter will come soon enough with its solemn joy and festivity, but we have to go through the Cross just as Christ did.

“Last Chance” Confessions
If you have not gone to confession this Lenten season yet, then take advantage of these final chances before Easter. 
Tuesday 3/28 from 5-6pm @ Queen of Heaven
Thursday 3/28 from 6-7pm @ St. Paul (followed by Stations of the Cross at 7pm)
Along with our regular schedule on Friday 4-5pm and Saturday 3-4pm.
There are no scheduled confessions for Holy Week. However, if one needs to make an appointment for confession with me, feel free to call the rectory.

Has Confession Sounded Slightly Different?
If you have gone to confession in the past few weeks, you may have noticed something just a little different when the priest prays the prayer of absolution.  The United States Bishops had the Latin prayer text retranslated (similar to when the Roman Missal was translated back in 2010).  There are only two words that are different, and neither effect the most important words of the whole prayer which are (“I absolve you from your sins”). But in case you thought you heard something weird, it’s ok.  This Lent is the implementation period.  Priests can still use the older version, but we must make the switch to the new one at Easter time. Check this link to see the new prayer: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251513/when-will-the-new-wording-for-the-prayer-of-absolution-used-in-the-sacrament-of-penance-take-effect

Holy Week Liturgy Schedule
Palm Sunday - regularly scheduled Mass times.
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7pm
Good Friday Service - 3pm
(including adoration of the Holy Cross and Distribution of Holy Communion)
Holy Saturday Blessing of Easter Food - Noon
Easter Vigil - 8:45pm
Easter Sunday - Regular Schedule


Blessed Passiontide!

St. Paul, Pray for us!

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr