April 13, 2003
Ashes to Palms
So
Much Help
As
these holy days unfold before us our parish celebrations are so enriched
because many people have shared their time and talent in many obvious
and behind-the-scene ways. I want to thank all of who have been part
of the planning for these days. We will discover the presence of Jesus
in our midst because what you share with us.
Day
of Reconciliation
The
Monday of Holy Week is a wonderful day of reconciliation since the Sacrament
of Reconciliation (confessions) will be celebrated all day, concluding
with a communal penance service at 8pm. Come, experience the peace and
freedom that are given in this special moment.
Easter
Fund
We
got hit again with snow this past week. Please keep our extraordinary
winter expenses in mind when making your Easter contribution this year.
We appreciate your generosity.
Away
at College?
We'd
love to stay in touch.
To receive the “letter from home”, take this bulletin with
you to college as a reminder to send in your e-mail address. Just Click
Here!
Technology Ministry
If you’d like to give your time and expertise at helping our parish
connect its telephone systems or work on its website, you can let us
know by filling in our
online form
Want
to e-mail Father Ralph?
Past Columns:
April 6:
God Embedded
March 30:
Pastoral Visits
March 23:
Turning Tables
March
16: Transfiguring Imagination
March
9: Beasts and Angels
March 2:
Lent and Imagination
Feb 23: Sorrow
Far and Wide
Feb 16: Saints
Feb 9: Columbia Lessons
Feb2: Giving At A Difficult
Time
Jan 26: Penny Power
& Catholic Schools
Jan19: Yet Another
Year
Jan 12: Stealing Jesus
Jan5: The Wise Still Come
From Afar
Columns from 2002
Lent began nearly 40 days ago as I stood
holding a bowl of ashes in my hands. And these have been weeks of ashes.
The images from the war in Iraq have been pressed into our souls and we
continually pray that peace will come soon.
Today we hold living palm branches in our
hands. These are signs of hope. For we are not a people of ashes, but
of life. We wave these signs of life and hope as did the people of Jerusalem
2000 years ago when Jesus entered the city. But as we know, Jesus’
entrance into glory first involved the way of the cross. He faced his
most difficult days in which he poured out his life and embraced forgiveness
instead of retribution. He endured the betrayal and abandonment of his
friends, the lies of his accusers, the injustice of civil trial, the beating,
spitting, mocking, the shame and brutal torture of being nailed to a cross.
This week we are invited to remember the
journey Jesus took to offer us salvation. On Holy Thursday we recall how
he gave us his body and blood and how he called us to serve one another
as he washed his disciples feet. We too will wash the feet of children
at the children’s service and have the opportunity to wash each other’s
feet at the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. We watch with the
Lord into the night.
On Good Friday there are many opportunities
to meditate on the death of Jesus (see schedule in this bulletin). At
night we will again transfer the statue of the Jesus-in-the-tomb into
St. Anthony’s Hall (St. Brigid’s first church) where there is
an intimate setting for people to come and pray during the day on Saturday.
Our holiest night of the year is the vigil
of Easter when we all gather together to light the Easter fire, to listen
to God’s Word (this year we will break into “language”
groups to listen to the readings) and then we reassemble to baptize and
confirm those who are becoming members of our church. We celebrate the
Eucharist together on this holy night.
The next morning, before dawn, many will
gather at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean to greet the rising of the sun
and to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. And we will rejoice throughout
Easter morning with each other at Easter Masses. As we move from ashes
to palms and beyond we recognize we need Jesus and we need one another.
I’m glad you’re here.
You are Person
