Hi there, everyone! Here is Father's Friday Flocknote for this week. Today, I just wanted to share some of the common questions that may be asked about Holy Week this year...
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HOLY WEEK:
- How will the palms be distributed?
There will be palms at the doors of the Church as you come in to Palm Sunday Mass. Please take your palms as you come in, keeping in mind to ONLY touch what you take. The palms will be blessed during the Opening Procession of Mass. There will also be a Drive Thru distribution of palms for those who aren't coming to Mass yet from 12-2 on Palm Sunday afternoon.
2. How will the Passion be proclaimed this year since we don’t all have the hymnals for “our parts”?
This year we will NOT be proclaiming the Passion in the way that we have become used to with the parts for Christ, the voice, the narrator, & the people. The proclamation of the Passion in parts is not a requirement & the option is there for the Presider/Deacon to proclaim the Passion in the normal way that we do the other Gospels throughout the year. We will be using that option this year (& possibly into the future). Rather than looking for our “next line” we will be invited to listen & reflect upon the Passion narrative.
3. Will there be any collections during Holy Week?
During Holy Week, we will take up the following collections….
Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday: Regular Parish Collection
Holy Thursday: To benefit the work of the St. Vincent De Paul Society (SVDP)/Helping Hands & Hunger Center (STP)
Good Friday: To benefit the Christians & support the work of the Franciscans in the Holy Land
4. Where there be the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday?
Not this year. The Bishop left it up to each parish for this year, but asked that if it was done ONLY those who had had the 2nd vaccine had their feet washed. After discussion, we decided to skip it this year & return to it next year. And also, I have only received my first shot at this time. My second shot is scheduled for the weekend after Easter.
5. Will there be the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday?
Yes, @ Noon.
6. How will we venerate the cross on Good Friday?
At both parishes, we will use the cross that has been decorated in/near the Sanctuary during Lent. The Presider will sing the traditional “Behold the Wood of the Cross,” & we will respond with the traditional, “O come, let us adore.” The adoration of the cross will be done this year with a simple bow of the head all together & everyone adoring from their pews (w/ song) rather than everyone coming forward since this year we are asked not to have everyone kiss & touch the cross. Next year we hope to return to our normal way of veneration & adoration.
7. Will there be a Food Blessing on Holy Saturday?
Yes, the Food Blessing @ both Parishes will be held @ 12:00 Noon
8. How will we handle the crowds on Easter Sunday?
To help spread out the crowds we will be adding a Mass on Easter Sunday at BOTH parishes. Both parishes will have Masses on Easter Sunday @ 9 am & 11 am.
9. What about Holy Water for Easter?
While we still need to have the Holy Water fonts empty, we will bless a container of Holy Water at each parish that you will be welcome to fill up your own container with for your own personal/family use. Near the Holy Water container, there will be either a bottle of hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes for you to use between uses.
Happy Holy Week!
Fr. John