Holy Thursday {Our Lord's Last Supper}

Celebrating the Last Supper of our Lord at the Holy Thursday Mass ushers us into the most solemn, holy three days of our liturgical year.  With grand entrance processions on Palm Sunday, we launched into this Holy Week, and tonight's silent recessional allows us to follow Christ through his agony, Passion and death to the glory of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

We lift up in prayer:

• our entire Christian world, longing for a unity Christ proclaimed
• those who have grown indifferent and lukewarm toward our Savior who suffered so for our salvation
• those who have yet to know Christ and pray that we can become the 'glow in the dark' Christians whose very lives give witness to His saving power and endless love and mercy
• all those who are burdened by sin and suffering and pray that they may be set free and be reborn in Christ
• our holy priests on this day as we remember the birth of their priesthood and pray for their protection and sanctification, and with deep gratitude for their sacrifices and leadership
• our praise and thanksgiving for the ultimate gift of the Holy Eucharist, given by Christ in the upper room on this very day ~ for Christ is truly present in Holy Communion every day!
• those who are still waiting for the sacraments, may they be given special graces to persevere 
• those who have passed down the faith to us and prayed for us along our journey
• and you!

A blessed Holy Thursday to you and yours.


Flashback photos: Holy Thursday 2009

Final Preparations for the Easter Triduum:

Holy Wednesday

Yesterday was a big day of preparation for the Easter Triduum, which will begin tonight, at our 

Holy Thursday Mass of our Lord's Last Supper, continue with tomorrow's Good Friday celebration, and conclude with Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday.

The 40 days of lent have been a time of preparation for spiritual readiness, with special additional prayer time, works of charity above & beyond the norm, alms giving, fasting, and reconciliation.

Now the final physical preparations are being made to prepare our worship space and to train our ministers.

Zachary held a second rehearsal for the altar servers who will serve in the Easter Vigil Mass, which will be our first Easter liturgy.  Zachary is again the MC for the Easter Vigil, and worked diligently (and meticulously) with the servers (including his younger brothers) to prepare for the celebration.  They have many roles to fill, and the liturgy is multi-faceted.  It is an amazing liturgy! 

Many new members will be welcomed into the Church at Easter Vigil celebrations world-wide.

The altar servers are prepared and ready to serve, now let's just hope they get a nap on Saturday so they can stay alert for the 9-midnight Mass!

Peter captured this beautiful sunset as we were leaving Church last night.

We spent over 5 hours at Church yesterday helping to prepare for the Triduum and also celebrating a funeral Mass.  What a blessed way to pass Holy Wednesday...