Dear friends, as we enter into Holy Week, we are grateful that this year we are able to have celebrations in our parish. Every time we gather to prepare we talk some about what we did in ‘normal’ years, but always end in gratitude that this year we can have these celebrations, with at least some of us gathering and praying on behalf of us all. Holy Week won’t look exactly the same, and we must follow protocols to gather safely while we bring our own lives with their joys and sorrows and unite them with the Paschal Mystery.
We wanted you to know some of what will change in keeping with the protocols already in place and those encouraged by the Diocese for this week. Remember that the liturgies will be live-streamed and that you may also bring your device and sit in the courtyard or in your car and receive Communion when those inside receive.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday we will receive and bless the palms at all our regular Sunday liturgy times. You will find palms already at your chair inside and ushers will bring them to those outside. We need to reduce the number of people in the procession and cannot sprinkle the palms, but we will be able to hear the blessing as well as the reading of the entry into Jerusalem in the worship space. At the end of Mass, we ask you to please take your palms with you, and those in any unused chair near you. We will be unable to re-use them and it would be a great help for them to go to your home as a devotional item.
Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, at 7:30 PM, we will celebrate the reception of the oils from the Chrism Liturgy and the institution of the Eucharist with Father Lobo. We will need to make the foot-washing a more contained event and will be unable to offer the opportunity for everyone to participate. We remind you that the collection for that day supports Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl. It may be left in the designated basket in the gathering space. Caring for the poor is an integral theme of the day’s observance as well as all of Lent. Communion will be brought to you in your place during the Mass at the usual time. At the end, we will not be able to have all process out with the Eucharist but after the ushers direct us to leave you will be able to spend time in adoration of the Eucharist on the patio if you wish. Prelude music will begin at 7:10.
Music from the Green Gathering Hymnal
Gathering: Lift High the Cross 791
Psalm: Our Blessing Cup 107
Gospel Acclamation: 160A
Foot Washing: No Greater Love 628; The Servant Song 669
Communion: Pan de Vida 848; The Servant Song 669; Jesus Remember Me 404
Good Friday
On Good Friday, we will still have the outdoor Walking the Way of the Cross at 12:10 with our seminarians. We remind you to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wear comfortable shoes, and bring any protective gear you may need for the weather. The Good Friday Liturgy will be at 5:30 with Father Steve. This year we cannot individually approach the Cross for veneration but there will be time set aside for all of us to venerate from our places. Communion will be brought to you in your place during the liturgy at the usual time. Ushers will direct us when the time comes to depart. Baskets will be available in the gathering space for the Collection for the Sites of the Holy Land. Prelude music will begin at 5:10.
Music from the Green Gathering Hymnal
Psalm: I Put My Life in Your Hands 43
Gospel Acclamation: 160A
Communion: No Greater Love 628
Dismissal: Were You There 416
Easter Saturday
On Easter Saturday we will celebrate the Easter Vigil at 8:45 p.m. with Father Steve. We have been encouraged by the Diocese to keep the time as limited as is reasonable. As the Vigil tends to be slightly less crowded you may want to give extra consideration to attending this Easter celebration. We will not all be able to gather outside for the Easter fire or carry candles in procession but we will be able to hear as the prayers unfold. We will renew our baptismal vows but will not be sprinkled with Holy Water. Communion will be brought to you in your place at the usual times and ushers will direct us when the time comes to depart. We indeed celebrate the new life coming into the Church! There is no prelude music for Saturday’s vigil.
Music from the Green Gathering Hymnal
Psalm (after 3rd reading): Song at the Sea 143
Gospel Acclamation Psalm: Let Us Rejoice (Alleluia Refrain) 114
Communion: No Greater Love 628; I Am the Bread of Life 828
Closing: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today 442
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s resurrection at 9 with Father Lobo and 11:30 a.m. with Father Steve. Again, we remind you that once we have reached capacity, which is likely, the outdoor space will be available for you to stay and stream. We will renew our baptismal vows but will not be sprinkled with Holy Water. Communion will be at the end of Mass as ushers release us to go forth, and will be available for those outside as well. Prelude music will begin a half-hour before each Mass, with handbells included before the 9 a.m. Mass.
Music from the Green Gathering Hymnal
Gathering: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today 442
Psalm: Let Us Rejoice 114
Sequence: 438
Gospel Acclamation: 258
Communion: No Greater Love 628
Closing: All Creatures of Our God and King; I Am the Bread of Life 828
We wish all of you a blessed Holy Week!
