HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2001

My dear parishioners,

This is my last Easter message to you as pastor of St. Brigid's. Where have the twelve years gone? I don't know, but I do know how wonderful these Lents and Holy Weeks have been.

I loved the Ash Wednesdays as thousands came to the church to be marked by the sign of His cross and be reminded of mortality. The sight of the new Catholics signing the Book of the Elect "on the dotted line" was always so moving. All through Lent it was wonderful to watch as they grew in faith and frolicked, helping us to bathe in the holy Easter water at the Easter Vigil.

Palm Sunday was always gloriousÐblessing and passing through the children at the Family Mass as they held their palms and shouted, "Hosanna!" The teenagers always led me to tears as they reenacted the Passion and Death of Our Lord.

All Day Confessions on Spy Wednesday were a privilege as so many came to say "I love you, Jesus and I'm sorry." Fr. Joe Nagle's "No Questions Asked'" Penance Services celebrated God's love and mercy. So many cameÐthe sinners who are the real saints and never give up celebrating His Love.

Washing the children's feet on Holy Thursday morning and the adults at night humbled me and made me realize over and over again what a privilege it is to be a priest and what an honor it is to wash the feet of the disciples. Processions with the Sacrament through the streets brought healing and peace to so many. The boys in front of the old Antler's Bar & Grill were the most devout.

Good Friday filled me with wonder and emotion as the unending line came to kiss and reverence the Body of Jesus upon the Cross. As the years passed I knew more and more of the crucifixions of the saints who came to touch and kiss their Jesus. What a gift it is to be a pastor.

The Stations of the Cross through the streets of Breezy Hill reminded me each year what it was like in Jerusalem that first Good FridayÐalive, real, confusingÐall of us playing our role and part in the story of the crucifixion.

I'll never forget that first Good Friday when we processed through the streets with the Body of the Lord. What a moment it was when we entered the church and we all felt emotion like we never had before because our Hispanic Family gave us all permission to be human and express our faith. What powerful nights those Good Fridays were these past twelve years.

Holy Saturday around the Lord's Body was filled with peace as confessions were still being heard and food was being blessed for the Easter table. Walking into the church with its glorious decorations and the scent of the lilies, set the scene for the long awaited Easter Vigil. The Vigil got longer each year as the members of converts increased. New life, resurrection, Eucharist, forgiveness and promise filled all of our hearts as we heard those words: "I do believe." The Sunrise Mass, with a little group huddled in the rain in 1990, has grown to a large family of over 1000 gathered together in the cold (and sometimes wet) darkness to await new life, hope and resurrection.

So this year again, I invite you to join me and all the family for my final Holy Week and Easter at St. Brigid's as we celebrate the miracle and mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life and hope that He gives to all of us. You have been the Lord's resurrection to me. I am so grateful.

I love you,



Fr. Frank