As you probably know by now (if you've been in this parish during some or all of my almost 13 years as your pastor), I sturggle with the temptation to see the glass "half empty" in more than a few instances instead of seeing and rejoicing when the glass is at least "half full". Unfortunately, in the instance of the upcoming "Easter Triduum" (Holy Thursday evening until Easter Sunday evening) I have to acknowledge that our Church (and most, if not all other Catholic Churches) are not even close to half-full in the number of those seated in the church for the "One" liturgy that is stretched out in three or four gatherings of the "Faithful" over this three day period. It is most certainly and sadly the case that less than half of those who participate in Mass every weekend usually participate in no more than the Easter Sunday Mass. I try,during Lent and at other times of the year, to stress and explain how important the whole of the Triduum is for ALL the baptized (as well as those who are baptized at the Easter Vigil) as it happens in the extended liturgy (at Sacred Heart Church at 6:30 p.m. on Holy thursday, 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday, and 8:30 p.m. on Holy Saturday). For those of you who don't traditionally participate in any of these gatherings, I am, at first, inclined to strongly encourage you to participate in at least one of these and experience a liturgy that is unlike "regular" Mass in more than a number of ways, and which speaks so strongly of what Jesus Christ has done for us through his passion, death, and Resurrection which includes, of course, what he gave to the apostles and to us when he fed them at the Last Supper (and feeds us with His Body and Blood at every Mass). On further reflection, I am going to strongly encourage EVERYONE in our parish to participate in all three gatherings and prepare yourselves to be touched by the Lord in a powerful way. The highpoint, if you didn't know, will be the renewal of our baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil. If you traditionally participate in the church's main liturgical gatherings during the Triduum (see above), consider enhancing your experience by coming to our church on your own to pray (the rosary, the chaplet of diving mercy, and/or the stations of the cross, and read and reflect on the rich scripture readings of the Triduum) and/or join us for the additional opportunities we have for communal prayer in church and "food" gatherings on Holy Thursday (parish meaal) and maybe on Good Friday. I dare say your experience of the Triduum days will have the greatest impact on you spiritually and in your future life in the Lord, if you try to "disconnect" from all worldly activities and routines (including television and computer during the first two days of the Triduum, from Hly Thursday evening until the Vigil on Saturday evening) and make this time a true "retreat" that doesn't take us anywhere except to  and from church (refraining or cutting back on secular places and/or activities). While it is true that som many things in our time (diets, sleep, accessories, etc) are "advertised" as being potential "life changers" (and often are not), full participation in the Triduum by any Catholic who makes this time for Jesus, will potentially have their lives changed and/or renewed in the most special and everlasting way! I pray you are included in "many" who do so!!