This weekend we begin Holy Week.  The Saturday and Sunday liturgies commemorate the entry of Jesus in Jerusalem prior to his death on the cross.  As always, we begin with blessed palm branches and participate in the communal proclamation of the Passion of the Lord. 

Tuesday, March 26 is the Chrism Mass at the cathedral at 7 pm.  At this liturgy, Archbishop Fabre will bless the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the sacred chrism (used for baptism, confirmation, and ordination) and the priests will renew the promises first made by them on their ordination day.  This is a beautiful, moving, and unique liturgy.  Many of the adults preparing for baptism and confirmation at the Easter Vigil will be in attendance.  All are welcome.

Thursday, March 28 is Holy Thursday.  By ancient tradition, this liturgy is celebrated once in each parish (4 pm at St. Brigid, 7 pm at St. James).  At this liturgy, we commemorate the Last Supper where Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist.  Only at this liturgy, we have the ceremonial washing of the feet of disciples that also happened at the Last Supper.  Both liturgies finish with a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to a special altar and tabernacle of repose.  We will finish Holy Thursday with  Compline (Night Prayer) at St. James at 10 pm.

Friday, March 29 is Good Friday.  Again, by ancient tradition, this liturgy is celebrated once in each parish (3 pm at St. Brigid, 7 pm at St. James).  At this liturgy, we have a communal proclamation of the Passion.  Unique to this liturgy, is the veneration of the cross by the faithful.  Holy Communion consecrated the evening before is offered and by tradition we depart in silence.

Saturday, March 30 is the Easter Vigil.  This is celebrated at St. James at 8:00 pm, beginning outdoors with the dedication of the Easter fire and the Paschal candle, candlelight procession into the church, the chanted proclamation of the Exsultet (the Easter praises).  At this liturgy, which is the highlight of the liturgical year, a mother and her two children will be baptized, and two of them will also be confirmed and receive first communion. 

We will observe our regular Sunday schedule on Easter (8 am and 10:15 am at St. Brigid, 8:30 am, 11 am, and 7 pm at St. James).  By ancient tradition, all baptized will renew their promises of baptism and be sprinkled with the newly blessed Easter holy water.  Holy Week marks the seven most significant days in the church.  I hope you will join us for these once-a-year celebrations.