Holy Week is the celebration of our Christian faith acknowledging our belief and hope in the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ who in this great offering of Himself on the Cross gives us the gift of everlasting and glorious life. This is accomplished to remake us—transform us—into the Divine Presence of God by way of sharing in Christ’s suffering and passion in this world so that we may share also in His Resurrection.

O.K? So what does that mean for me as I live in the here-and-now? It means we are all called to participate in the life of Christ—His human and earthly life—by being His active disciples in this world (in our community) so that we might have the opportunity to be sharers in His glorious life in the Kingdom. This is something that I know we all want even if we are unsure of our worthiness or just “how we get there?”

Holy Week comprises the full and complete story of Jesus Christ reenacted in the Memorial celebrations of Holy Thursday (the Last Supper and the institution of the priesthood), Good Friday (the Crucifixion of Christ and His death) and Easter Sunday (Christ’s Resurrection to Eternal Life). Unfortunately, for many Christians Holy Week is not fully celebrated—meaning that many people have never been to Holy Thursday or Good Friday liturgies. In fact, a recent conversation with a religious education class found the nearly half of the students and their families have never been to Holy Thursday or Good Friday, many only celebrate Easter Sunday. We should all ask ourselves “How can we ‘experience’ Easter in its fullness and come to know the JOY that God offers us in eternal life if we don’t experience in the whole story?”

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all our parishioners to participate Holy Week and to see that if knowing in the fullness of our Christian faith helps us to be more committed to Christ in this world so that we may be fully committed with Him in the next life. These liturgies are beautiful with very moving music. It can only help touch the human heart with God’s love for each one of us and of His desire to have us live with Him forever in the Kingdom. So what are the details to these liturgies?

> Holy Thursday begins at 7:30 p.m. with a Mass of the Lord’s Supper and speaks to the gift of Christ Himself for our salvation through the Last Supper and the institution of the priesthood. After the hour-long Mass, the sacrament of the Eucharist is kept in an altar of repose in Russell Hall until Holy Saturday. If you care to one may stay after the Mass and pray before the reposed blessed sacrament for your own personal intentions or family needs;

> Good Friday begins at 3 p.m. in silence as the priest prostrates himself before the altar. The readings of the Passion are proclaimed, and veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion are offered. This hour-and-one-half liturgy ends in silence without a formal dismissal. Then at 7:30 p.m. on Good Friday there is also offered The Seven Last Words Christ spoke as He died on the Cross. This hour-long liturgy offers seven short readings, sacred music and a candle lit setting; and,

> The Great Easter Vigil which begins at 8 p.m. on Holy Saturday is the longest of the three liturgies. Running about an hour and forty-five minutes, the Mass has readings; the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are offered as we welcome new Catholics into our faith. This beautifully ritualistic Mass concludes and is fol-lowed by the Alleluia Party in Russell Hall celebrating the eternal won-der of Easter. Great foods, splendid desserts and wonderful friendship are all served up

> Easter Sunday Masses celebrate the Resurrection of Christ Jesus and all that this glory brings to us. Masses are celebrated at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 noon.