Altar Servers {Easter Morning}

Easter morning debut: a first time server assists Peter (the thurifer) by holding the boat containing incense.  While his face seems to show concern about his first time serving at Mass, in reality, he had something stuck in his eye... Peter gently guided him along throughout the Mass, helping him to be in the right place at the right time.    I think he grew a few inches in the process!

For five or so years, we have been responsible for training and scheduling the altar servers at Sacred Heart.  Enriching the spiritual lives of young people by bringing them closer to Christ (literally!) gives great consolation.  For the most part, the training has been carried out by Zachary, with other servers (including Joseph and Peter) also assisting and coaching our new servers as they learn the ropes.

 

Zachary and two awesome servers assist at two baptisms on Easter Morning.

 

As acolyte, Zachary incenses Father before incensing the people at the beginning of  the Liturgy of the Eucharist during Easter morning Mass.

Easter Begins {Alleluia!}

The Triduum liturgies and sacraments of Holy Week~phenomenal.
Easter Sunday Mass and service opportunity~unequaled.

We have entered our Easter {Resurrection} Bliss.

I have around 900+ photos to process, save and share. 

In the meantime, I invite you to read about my Easter Day Gift.

Grace and peace to you this Easter Season!
~Bridget

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

He Is Risen!

Alleluia!

Jesus is Risen!

Peter and Joseph as thurifer/boat bearer 

lead the recessional after the Easter Vigil at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bellingham, WA

After 11AM Mass on Easter Sunday, Father Qui Thac leads Michael and Selloane and family as they praise God for an anonymous parishioner's $50,000 gift to their family. 

As Acolyte/thurifer, Zachary leads the recession on Easter Sunday following the 11AM Mass; closely behind are Peter and Nolan as a candle bearers and Joseph as cross bearer, and our beloved pastor, Father Qui Thac, who brings us Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament!

Easter Celebration

Peter receives the wine during the presentation of the gifts.

Zachary incenses Father, preceding the Eucharistic prayer.

Joseph, as cross bearer, assists Zachary, as acolyte, in preparing the altar.

Simply put, our Easter morning liturgical celebrations were amazing.

Zac, Joseph and Peter all served at the 11AM Mass, having gone to bed after 2AM due to the Easter Vigil Mass and the party which followed.

Zac, Peter and I also attended the 8:30AM Mass to witness the baptism of Samuel Jean Marie Baptiste.

Glorious Day!

Now the Easter season continues, and we look forward to the upcoming celebration of

Divine Mercy Sunday, having begun our Divine Mercy Novena on Good Friday.