Holy Thursday ~ Good Friday ~ Easter Vigil

TRIDUUM 2014

The Easter triduum, marking the days of Jesus’ passion and resurrection, is the most important time of the church year. Prepared by the days of Lent, Christians celebrate on these holiest of days the saving work God has accomplished in Christ.

"Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!"

- Sunday April 13th - PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
- Thursday April 17th - THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK
- Friday April 18th - FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
- Saturday April 19th - HOLY SATURDAY
- Sunday April 20th - THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD (Octave of Easter begins)
- Tuesday April 26th - ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA (M)

* This is the week we call “Holy” because it is a memorial of God's saving deeds for us in Jesus.
* The invitation this week is to come closer to the reality of God's profound love for us. Yes, we are all sinners. But, we are loved sinners.

* Holy Thursday ~ Mass of the Lords Supper ~ "This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution." -Exodus 12:13

* Good Friday ~ The Passion of the Lord ~ “Because of his affliction, he shall see the light in fullness of days; through his suffering, my servant shall justify many” -Isaiah 53:11

* Holy Saturday ~ Easter Virgil ~ “Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth.” -Isaiah 12:5

"As surely as we died with Christ, we believe we will also live with him. "

Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of April

Universal: Ecology and Justice. That governments may foster the protection of creation and the just distribution of natural resources.

Evangelization: Hope for the Sick. That the Risen Lord may fill with hope the hearts of those who are being tested by pain and sickness.

LENTEN MESSAGE OF OUR HOLY FATHER FRANCIS 2014

As Lent draws near, I would like to offer some helpful thoughts on our path of conversion as individuals and as a community. These insights are inspired by the words of Saint Paul: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). The Apostle was writing to the Christians of Corinth to encourage them to be generous in helping the faithful in Jerusalem who were in need. What do these words of Saint Paul mean for us Christians today? What does this invitation to poverty, a life of evangelical poverty, mean for us today?

Read full text of the Holy Father’s message (Vatican translation)...

"Lenten reflection"

O good and dearest Jesus, I kneel before your face. With all my heart I ask you to place in my heart more faith, hope and charity. Give me a true sorrow for my sins and a strong will to do better With great sorrow and grief I look upon your five wounds and think about them. Before my eyes are the words that the prophet David said of you, O good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet They have numbered all my bones."

Catholic Churches throughout North America Implement New Mass Translation
-The most significant changes in language used at Mass in nearly 40 years has be implemented in Catholic Churches throughout North America. Clergy across the continent will lead congregations using a new translation of the Roman Missal, the book of prayers used at Mass.
For all resources concerning the Roman Missal please visit: www.romanmissal.ca

1. Branches Catholic Ministries will be hosting the film Mary of Nazareth in select theaters across Ontario. Mary of Nazareth is a new epic motion picture on the remarkable life of Mary, mother of Christ, from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus.- (Click here)
   
   
2. Daughters of St. Paul extend an invitation to you. (Click here)