Father Mike's Message - 04/02/2023

Dear Parishioners,

Our hearts were certainly broken this past week when we learned that Evelyn Dieckhaus, granddaughter of Tom & Linda Dieckhaus, was one of the victims of the shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.  Please continue to pray for Evelyn, her family, and for all who were affected by this tragic and senseless shooting.  And let’s pray for an end to violence.

As we enter upon Holy Week,  Fr. Tony and I invite and encourage everyone to participate in the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week and Easter as much as possible.  We think it would even be a great idea to rearrange your schedule so that you are able to participate.  On Holy Thursday morning, Fr. Tony and I will join Archbishop Rozanski and the priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis for the annual celebration of the Chrism Mass.  During this Mass the Archbishop will bless the Holy Oils we use during the year for Sacramental purposes.  This is a beautiful celebration each year and all are invited to this Mass which begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral.

On Holy Thursday evening, we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m. in Church.  Our Altar of Repose will be set up in the Choir Room on the main floor of Jesuit Hall and it will be open for quiet prayer after Mass until midnight.  Churches in our area will also be open for private prayer and all are welcome to visit them.  Most are open until midnight.  Feel free to call around to find out the exact times their churches will be open.

On Good Friday we will have Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m. (This is the only day all year that there is no celebration of Mass.)  Our Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion & Death will take place at 12:00 noon and we will finish out the day with Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m.

On Holy Saturday, we will again have Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m.  We will practice with our RCIA candidates after Morning Prayer for the Easter Vigil.  Our Easter Vigil, the high point of our liturgical year, will be celebrated at 8:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday evening.  (Quick note: yes, this liturgy is a bit longer than usual, but the symbolism is beautiful.  You will love it!)  We will continue our celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.  

On the morning of Holy Saturday (April 8) from 7:30 - 11:00 a.m. the Ladies’ Sodality will be hosting their Easter Bazaar in the Grade School cafeteria.  Great food and wonderful gifts will be available for purchase.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Have a blessed Holy Week and Easter!
 
Fr. Mike Boehm