Dear friends in Christ,

     This, That & the Other … The season of Lent comes in with a bang on Ash Wednesday but it ends very quietly. In fact, as you now read this, it’s over. We’ve now begun the sacred Triduum, the “three days” of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday that will lead us to Easter Sunday and the beginning of a 50-day celebration (as opposed to “just” 40 days for Lent) of Christ’s resurrection. … I invite you to see the three days as one continuous liturgy, though each is obviously its own celebration. If your schedule permits, try to make it to church all three days and I think you’ll begin to see the connection that runs through them all.

     … We begin tonight at 7 p.m. with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. On Holy Thursday we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the very Body and Blood of himself that Jesus gives as sign of the new covenant between God and man, and the ministerial priesthood that is forever tied to it. At the conclusion of Mass, we will process from the main church into the chapel to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight.

     … Our Good Friday service tomorrow is at 3 p.m. and we’ll hear the Passion account of Jesus’ death from St. John’s Gospel and all will have the opportunity to come forward to venerate the wood of the Cross. Good Friday should ideally be a day of quiet prayer and remembrance. Do your best to make it unlike any other day and keep the cross always in view. It is a day of both fast and abstinence.

     ... The Triduum concludes with the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. If you’ve never attended an Easter Vigil Mass, please join us. It’s our highest and most sacred Mass of the year. Come witness our 31 brothers and sisters who will join the Church this night as we experience the empty tomb and the promise of new life in the Resurrected Christ! ... Our Easter Sunday schedule is as follows: Mass at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. in the Church with additional masses at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall. There is no 5 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday. The three masses in the Parish Hall will not use incense. … Fr. Ralph and the Pastoral Staff of CtR joins me in wishing you a happy and blessed Easter. Alleluia! Alleluia!

     … Right after Easter Sunday we move into a week of preparation leading to our 34th annual CtR Spring Festival the following weekend, April 27-28. There is much work to do in this coming week, so after we take time with family and friends for Easter, I encourage us all to pitch in to help get ready for this wonderful parish event. See this link to volunteer for a shift or two during the Festival. We’re in need of your time and talent in a variety of areas and there is truly something for all ages.

     … Throughout this week help will be needed in the Community Center to sort and price items for the Flea Market (bring your donations for the Flea Market and/or the Auction at any time during the week – we’ll be here every day). If you like bargains, this is something not to miss! In the evening each day this coming week, we’d like some help getting the booths and tables organized. In particular, ladies, if you have a husband or son at home who you’d like to get out of the house for a few hours (sound familiar?) then send ‘em up to the front parking lot any night between 5-8 p.m. Mike Havelka, our general chairperson, is always in need of a hand or two and he’ll put them to work. Doesn’t take much skill – just a willingness to help!

     ... The Spring Festival opens following Saturday Mass next weekend on April 27 (from 6-11 p.m.) and continues from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. We’ll have more details next week, but for now, pray for good weather (the advance forecast looks good, but a few extra prayers won’t hurt!), spread the word to friends and neighbors, volunteer to help, and make plans to join us. ... Lastly and most importantly, God loves you! In fact, he died and rose for you! Alleluia! Alleluia! … See ya’ at Mass!