Isn't it a little early to publish the Easter Triduum schedule of ligurgies? Some people may ask themselves (or me) that when they see the schedule in the bulletin this week. The answer is a resounding NO! Everything we do in this Lenten season points to the Triduum. Our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and giving alms to the poor, and of conversion that leads hopefully, among other things to the humbling, healing experience of Reconciliation, prepares us to renew our Baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil AND, this year, to supporting Nathan Rust, our Elect who will be fully initiated into the Church on this, the holiest night of the Church.
Some of you may have already noticed that the Easter Vigil will start at 8:30 p.m. That is because the Church insists that the Easter Vigil should begin at nightfall as we gather outside around the Easter Fire from which is lit the Paschal Candle. Last week end's readings in some ways, pointed us to the Easter Triduum liturgies and the Offertory Prayer, spoke of us being prepared for the "upcoming paschal festivities." Just as the whole of the NCAA basketball season points toward "March Madness," the tournament that crowns the national champion, so the whole of Lent is pointing Catholics to the Triduum and FULL PARTICIPATION IN IT, if at all possible. While the number of people watching basketball during March Madness is up greatly, compared to the viewership during the regular season, SADLY, in most places participation in the Triduum, goes down compared to that of the rest of the church year, including Lent. I pray you (at least most of you who physically can do so) will make the Triduum a prioity on your calendar of "must do's" and will afterward give witness to the blessings that come from it in your life and in the lives of those you touch!
Some of you may have already noticed that the Easter Vigil will start at 8:30 p.m. That is because the Church insists that the Easter Vigil should begin at nightfall as we gather outside around the Easter Fire from which is lit the Paschal Candle. Last week end's readings in some ways, pointed us to the Easter Triduum liturgies and the Offertory Prayer, spoke of us being prepared for the "upcoming paschal festivities." Just as the whole of the NCAA basketball season points toward "March Madness," the tournament that crowns the national champion, so the whole of Lent is pointing Catholics to the Triduum and FULL PARTICIPATION IN IT, if at all possible. While the number of people watching basketball during March Madness is up greatly, compared to the viewership during the regular season, SADLY, in most places participation in the Triduum, goes down compared to that of the rest of the church year, including Lent. I pray you (at least most of you who physically can do so) will make the Triduum a prioity on your calendar of "must do's" and will afterward give witness to the blessings that come from it in your life and in the lives of those you touch!