Recently about 25 of our male parishioners "retreated" to St. John's Center in Little Rock for an experience of growth in The Lord through the leadership of Father Maricio Carrasco.  From the feedback I heard, it was spiritual "shot in the arm" (or rather, the soul) for them.  This "Holy Week," starting on Thursday evening and concluding on Sunday evening, the Catholic Church urges ALL OF ITS MEMBERS to retreat from their normal schedule and activities to receive a spiritual shot for the soul through the celebration in the sacred Paschal Triduum of the Passion and Resurrection of The Lord (the high point of the ENTIRE Church year).

While I urge EVERYONE to participate in the Liturgy that starts on Holy Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., pauses and continues on Good Friday at 3:15 p.m., pauses and continues with the holiest night of the year, the Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. (it must begin after dark), I also hope and pray that you will refrain from most secular activities and spend the time in quiet reflection, maybe watching EWTN television, and doing selfless things for people in need.  The Church is available 24/7 (ask for the code to enter the church for the overnight hours) for prayer in the church body or chapel with Stations of the Cross booklets for individual use.  Look in the bulletin for times when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered.

PLEASE use the "Living With Christ" booklets to prepare for the three main liturgies and reflect on what The Lord is doing in and through you during this special time.  The transforming power of the days and liturgies of the Triduum can be strong and long-lasting for those who truly and sincerely participate in the "best" of retreat experiences.  It will draw us into a deeper union with Christ through the celebration of the great Paschal Mystery.  DON'T MISS OUT!