Dear Parish Family,

This Palm Sunday, we begin Mass with a procession with palms and a Gospel reading regarding Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem as He is hailed as the Son of King David. The tone shifts quickly with the Scripture readings during Mass as the plot unfolds to arrest and condemn Jesus to death. The same crowd that hailed "Hosannah to the Son of David!" would days later shout "Crucify Him!" Even the Apostles who testify adamantly that they would never betray or deny Him find their faith shaken and abandon Him during His Passion.

In our response to Psalm 22, we repeat the words of Jesus on the Cross: "My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?" Of course, the Father did not abandon Jesus, yet by all appearances the shame of the Cross would make it appear otherwise. Sometimes we blame God for the sufferings we undergo when it is God who is the one by our side strengthening and encouraging us to persevere. 

We might flip the script of the Psalm response and put it in God's voice, "My beloved ones, why have you abandoned Me?" This is a fruitful question to consider this Palm Sunday. Why have I abandoned God, a deep prayer life, moral growth in virtue, forgiveness and reconciliation with others, acts of justice and charity? Have fear or selfishness crept into my life discouraging me from pursuing a fruitful relationship with God and others? Do I count Jesus as a friend and Savior only in triumphant times or do I rely on Him when all hope seems lost?

Facing the Cross of Christ, the reality of pain and suffering, and our own sins and failings is difficult. Isaiah reminds us of the proper spiritual stature with which to confront these realities: "I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame." With Jesus, set your face like flint on the Father this Passion Week. This story does not end in shame, but rather in resurrection and life. 

As we enter into Holy Week, we have Confessions at St. Mary's this Tuesday from 10-11 am and Wednesday from 6-7 pm, Tenebrae at St. Mary's on Wednesday at 7 pm, Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at noon at St. Patrick's and 7 pm at St. Mary's, and Easter Food blessing at both St. Patrick's and St. Mary's at 12 pm. 

Please note that there are no morning Masses on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday. Instead, we will have Morning Prayer at St. Mary's on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 am and at 8:30 am on Holy Saturday. 

The Parish Office will be closed this Thursday and Friday for Triduum, and Easter Monday as well. There is no daily Mass on Easter Monday.

Triduum liturgies on Holy Thursday at 7 pm with Adoration after the Mass, Good Friday Passion Service at 3 pm, and Easter Vigil at 8:45 pm. Easter Sunday Masses are at the usual Sunday Mass times. 

I am yours in Christ,

Fr. Scott Goodfellow