 Fr.
Tom's Tomes April 9, 2006
We begin Holy Week concluding the 40 days of prayer, fasting and giving alms. This is the most important week of the year for Christians. It is a time to remember Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. Next Sunday we celebrate Easter reminding ourselves of the love of God and Jesus Christ in our lives. The Easter Season is even longer than Lent. The Easter Season lasts 50 days to celebrate our salvation by Jesus Christ. I would invite each and every parishioner to come to Mass on Holy Thursday at 7:00 pm to remember the institution of the Eucharist. On Good Friday we remember Jesus’s death on the cross. At the 3:00 pm service we will have time to venerate the cross reminding ourselves of Jesus death because of the sins of the people of the world. Saturday is a day of waiting for the resurrection. It is a day in which we should be quiet and contemplate the emptiness of the world when Jesus died for us. There will be confessions on Holy Saturday, April 15, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. There will not be a 5:30 pm Mass. The Easter Vigil will begin at 8:30 pm at the beginning of night fall. This time is set in accordance with the Diocese. Next Sunday it is my hope many people will come and join us for Easter. It is a time many individuals come to Mass who have not been for a while. Please make a special effort to be friendly to all who will come for Mass. I want to thank all those who came to the Lenten Penance Service. It truly was a time of grace, reconciliation and peace for our parish. One of the priests who was here for the Penance Service said he had not seen so many people for a penance service in 20 years. All of the priests felt thankful to God for the response of the parishioners. The Sacrament of Penance is something we all need to do more often in our lives. It helps us to become holier since we take time to focus upon what God asks of us. If you have not been to confession yet for Easter there is time next Saturday to receive this sacrament. Thanks to all who attended the second session of the Protecting All God’s Children training. About 22 people showed up for this training and it was a good group of individuals who participated in the training process. Each year it is my hope during the month of September to have a training for parishioners somewhere in this area. It is important to set aside training time to help adults learn what to watch for in protecting our children. Our world is changing and we as adults, parents, grandparents and those charged with the care of children to do all in our power to protect them. As we celebrate Palm Sunday I would ask you to stop and think about what you are giving back to God. Last Sunday and for a few times I will be talking about our tithe, stewardship to God. On Palm Sunday it is a good time to think about how much of our lives we do return to God? How much time and effort am I willing to give to the parish to help share God’s message with others? How much am I willing to give financially? Jesus who is our model gave his life to God! How much are you giving and how much are you willing to give to God? God bless you during this Holy Week. |