My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

We enter into Holy Week this week beginning with Palm Sunday.  There are two Gospel passages this weekend proclaimed.  The first being the reenactment of the proclamation of Jesus as King where the palms are used to proclaim Jesus’ kingship and the second Gospel is the passion narrative where Jesus is not only mocked as King but that he suffered and died on the cross for us.  In the passion narrative, we hear the words of Jesus saying, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do”.  The cross is the ultimate act of God’s love for us.  How do we enter this week knowing of God’s unconditional love for us?

Monday, the priests from our Archdiocese will gather for the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral.  At the Mass our Bishop will Bless the oils that will be used in the sacraments – the oil of holy chrism, the oil of catechumen and the oil of the sick.  The first is used for confirmation and holy orders, the second is used in baptism and the third is used for the anointing of the sick.  These oils will be presented to our Family of Parishes at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

Please note that we have additional Confessions this week.  The times we have available for confessions are as follows:

Monday April 14 at MOQ – 4pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm

Tuesday April 15 at SJV – 11am to 12pm, 4pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm

Wednesday April 16 at MOQ – 11am to 12pm, 4pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm

We hope you will take this opportunity before Easter to make a good confession.

The Triduum Services are as follows:

• The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be on Thursday at 7pm at both SJV and MOQ. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, there will be time for adoration till midnight.  The Blessed Sacrament will be removed from the Church after midnight.
• Good Friday Service will be at MOQ at 3pm and at SJV at 7pm
• Easter Vigil will be at MOQ at 8pm

Easter Sunday Masses at:

• SJV will be at 7:30am and 10:30am
• MOQ will be at 7am, 9am and 11am

 

Have a Blessed Holy Week,

Fr Marc