Beloved Family:
This past Monday, Deacon Nathan celebrated his “practice Mass.” While the event did not constitute an actual Mass with the Consecration of bread and wine, it was (as Fr. Christopher Trenta, former Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary and now seminary professor reminded us) still an opportunity to pray together and support this man, our brother in the Lord, as he nears the time of his ordination to the Presbyterate of the Diocese of Cleveland. It is occasions such as this that remind us of our connection with the larger Church…after all, Catholicism traces a worldwide bond.
This bond that exists between individual parish communities and our shepherd, Bishop Edward Malesic, is further illustrated by the invitation that is currently being issued to Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, to participate in Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future diocesan campaign. By now, the majority of our households ought to have received a mailed, with joint signatures of the bishop and myself, that provide the foundation of information on the vision and goals of this initiative. To date, two town hall-style meetings have been held. On the books is an additional date for a similar forum, currently scheduled for Saturday, April 18, following the 5 pm Mass.
Fr. David and I are finding great value in having conversations with groups and individuals during these weeks. Part of the content of these dialogues is sharing more detailed information on the aspirations of the diocese as well as the anticipated fruits that will come to our local parish. Equally, it is proving a tremendous opportunity to listen. Even after twenty-three years of being pastor, it is amazing how much there is still to learn about people’s faith journeys! The timing is very providential, since our pre-Lenten mission and recent faith formation programming has been themed on becoming more prepared—and confident— in sharing our testimonies of the role of Jesus Christ in our lives.
With the Masses this weekend, we step into Holy Week— truly like no other week of the year. The following provides a lovely introductory framework on the Triduum to draw us in:
Catholics celebrate the saving mystery of Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection in three successive rites held over three holy days called the sacred Easter Triduum or Paschal Triduum.
Following the Jewish practice of starting days at sunset, the three days from evening on Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday are considered a single liturgical day and the most holy time of the Church’s liturgical year. The annual liturgy of the Sacred Triduum demonstrates how Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead are connected in the Paschal Mystery.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday commemorates when Jesus celebrated the Passover and washed the feet of the Apostles. He instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist. The day is also known as Maundy Thursday because of Jesus issuing a new commandment to love one another as He has loved us. The Blessed Sacrament is adored in silence into the evening.
Jesus’ redemptive suffering and death is the focus of Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion as the story is read from the Gospel of John and the wood of the Cross is venerated. There is no Mass but the Eucharist is received from what was reserved from the night before.
Holy Saturday is a day of silence as Catholics remember when Jesus descended to be with the dead. We wait with the Blessed Mother for Jesus’ promises to be fulfilled.
Finally, the light of the Easter fire and the Paschal Candle and the singing of the Alleluia in the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil symbolize Jesus’ victory over sin and death. A series of readings from Sacred Scripture tell of God’s activity throughout salvation history. Those who are becoming Catholic receive the Sacraments of Initiation while the faithful renew their baptismal promises.
(from “The Sacred Triduum,” Dr. Marc Tinsley, April 16, 2025, fiercelycatholic.com).
Please consult the bulletin as well as the Lent/Easter flyer for the times of these liturgies, as well as the availability of the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) during this week.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
