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Making the Most of Holy Week

Holy Week is the most sacred time for us Catholics. It begins with Palm Sunday and leads to the celebration of Easter Sunday, remembering the final days, suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful opportunity for us to deepen faith, reflect on God's love, and renew spiritual commitment.

One of the best ways to make the most of Holy Week is through prayer and reflection. Setting aside quiet time each day allows one to meditate on the events remembered during the week - such as the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday, and the hope of new life on Easter. Reading passages from the Gospels that describe these moments helps bring the meaning of the week closer to the heart.

Another powerful practice is participating in church services. (Kindly take note of the Holy Week schedule.) We have special liturgies, prayer services, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. Attending these gatherings helps one experience the story of salvation in a communal and meaningful way. These services invite us to walk spiritually with Christ through His journey to the Cross and Resurrection.

Acts of charity and forgiveness are also important during Holy Week. Following the example of Jesus - who showed humility and love even in suffering - we are encouraged to serve others, help those in need, and seek reconciliation with people we may have hurt. Small acts of kindness can reflect the message of sacrificial love that lies at the heart of the week.

Fasting or making personal sacrifices can also deepen the spiritual experience. Giving up comforts, reducing distractions, or dedicating time to spiritual reading can help one focus more fully on the meaning of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of new life.

Ultimately, Holy Week invites all of us, not only to remember history, but to experience transformation. By praying, serving others, and reflecting on the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can enter more fully into the mystery of God's love and prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy and victory of Easter.

-- Fr. Augustine

Friday, March 27:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Final Fish Taco Friday at St. Michael's 5:00 p.m.
- Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m. (Church)
Saturday, March 28:
Lenten Collection #7 - Open Heart Kitchen
- Grief Support 10:00 a.m. (Ignatius)
- OCIA Retreat -830 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Hall / Pope)
- Reconciliation 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday (Wear Red) 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, March 29:
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (Wear Red)
Lenten Collection #7 - Open Heart Kitchen
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. with CLW (Church/Livestream)
- Pre-School/Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Family Holy Week Fair 1:00 p.m. (Hall)
Monday, March 30: Holy Monday
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- A&E Change 9:45 a.m. (Church)
- Vigil Rehearsal for Clergy/WC/Altar Server 5:30 p.m. (Church)
Tuesday, March 31: Holy Tuesday
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Chrism Mass at Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland 11:00 a.m.
- Alleluia Dancer Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Wednesday, April 01: Holy Wednesday
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Children's Choir Rehearsal/Easter 5:15 p.m. (Church)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- New Testament Bible Study Group 6:45 p.m. (Off Site)
Thursday, April 02: Holy Thursday
Lenten Collection #8 - St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
- Morning Prayer 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- A&E Change 9:45 a.m. (Church)
- Paschal TRIDUUM Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:00 p.m. (Church/Livestream)
- Altar of Repose 8:00 p.m. (Hall)
- A&E Change Biblical Stations 8:30 p.m. (Church)