Palm Sunday and Holy Week

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. 
 
With our palm branches held high, we start Holy week with the passion of the lord this Sunday. We wint4ess the intense love that Jesus has for all of us. During his passion, Jesus healed, comforted, forgave, and instilled hope in those around him. During his passion, Jesus gave live to others and as Christians we are called to the Cross as well, to give our lives for others. The choice to follow CHrsit is essential for looking beyond ourselves so we can concentrate on others. 
 
The Pashal Trhuum starts this wee an swe are called to empty ourseves ans become more like Jszus in his selfess and self giving ways. “Triduum’ comes from two latin words (tres and dies) which means ‘a space of three days.’ The Eater Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord's Supper and concludes at sundown on Easter Sunday; Its high point Triduum is the celebrations of the Easter Vigil.  

On Holy Thursday we commemorates the institution by Jesus of the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and of the Priesthood. In our liturgy we will also celebrate and remember the great humility of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. One this day, we are called to recognize that the Eucharist celebrates and strengthens our unity in the Body of Christ and helps us shape our lives after Christ’s challenging us to lead live characterized by compassion and forgiveness. 

On Good Friday, we celebrate and remember the passion and death of Jesus and show our live by our veneration fo the cross of that crucified Lord and our own determination to follow in his footsteps.  

In the Easter vigil ceremonies, we celebrate the Light of Christ rising in glory and dispelling the darkness of our hearts and minds. This night commemorates when Jesus conquered death, left the tomb and sent his disciples to continue his mission. The people of STHY continues his mission of Jesus CHrist by welcoming our new members to the Church through baptism and the profession of faith. This is a great witness to the life of the Church. We all show our solidarity by renewing our won baptismal promises as well. 
 
This  Sunday April 2nd, at 3:00 pm, We will have the Easter Cantata here in the main Church. Please come and support the music ministry of St. Hyacinth under the direction of Mrs. Pamela Pitman.  
 
On Tuesday evening April 4th, the Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, downtown. The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and significate liturgies of the Church. In the Mass, the Archbishop (Cardinal DiNardo) blesses three oils- the oil of catechumens, the oil of the infirm and Holy Chrism - which will be used in the administration of the sacraments through the archdiocese.  At the end of Mass, the oils are distributed to all parishes. Also, during the ceremony all the priest of the archdiocese are asked to renew their priestly vows and commitment to priesthood. The Chrism Mass demonstrates the unity of Holy Orders. 
 
The Holy Week schedule is as follows: Holy Thursday, 7:00 pm, Good Friday Service, 3:00 pm.; Easter Vigil, Saturday Evening, 8:30 pm. Easter Sunday, 8:00 am and 10:00 am.  
 
God Bless, 
Fr. Reginald Samuels