Our Church prepares to celebrate the holiest of days during the calendar. During Holy Week, we recall the events leading up to Jesus’ death by crucifixion and his Resurrection. The week includes five days of special significance. The first is Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ humble entry (on a donkey) into Jerusalem to observe Passover. According to the Gospel account, he was greeted by crowds of people who spread their cloaks and laid palm leaves in his path and proclaimed him the Son of David (Matthew 21:5). Palm Sunday is celebrated with a blessing and procession of palms. Holy Thursday marks Jesus’ institution at the Last Supper of the Eucharist, thereafter a central element of Roman Catholic worship, Holy Thursday is normally accompanied by washing of the feet of 12 humble or poor persons, in imitation of Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper. Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross; it is traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. Holy Saturday, also called Easter Vigil, is the traditional end of Lent. Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, according to the Gospels, on the third day after his crucifixion.
As we prepare for these holy day days of celebration, our liturgies may seem a bit different from years past as we continue to cope with the effects of the virus. Last year, 2020, we were unable to commemorate any of the days. This year, we will celebrate, but with variations, based on directives issued by the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Below are the specific celebrations and variations, if applicable, for each day:
PALM SUNDAY
SATURDAY/SUNDAY, MARCH 27/28
Normal Mass Times - 4:00 pm Saturday;
7:00, 9:00, 11:00 am, 1:00 (Spanish), 5:00 pm Sunday
HOLY THURSDAY
THURSDAY, APRIL 1
Morning Prayer - 8:30 am
Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7:00 pm
Music: Anne Gerst and Marti Signaigo
GOOD FRIDAY
FRIDAY, APRIL 2
Morning Prayer - 8:30 am
The Passion Mime - 12:00 noon
Confessions - 12:00-3:30 pm
Church Open for Private Prayer - 12:30-3:00 pm
Meditation Music: Gregorian Chant for Good Friday
Stations of the Cross - 3:00 pm
Music: Jeannie Freeman
Celebration of the Lord's Passion - 7:00 pm
Music: Elaina Piccoli and Susan Toben
THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT
SATURDAY, APRIL 3
Morning Prayer - 8:30 am
The Solemn Easter Vigil - 8:00 pm
Music: Jeannie Freeman and Michael Abbene
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
SUNDAY, APRIL 4
Easter Sunday Mass Times -
7:00 am in the Church,
Music: Mary Pancella and Micaela Letizia-Brunnell
9:00 am in the Church
Music: Jeannie Freeman and Michael Abbene
9:00 am in the Parish Center
Music: Crystal and Alec Arnold
11:00 am in the Church
Music: Anne Gerst and Marti Signaigo
11:00 am in the Parish Center
Music: The 5:00 Band
There is NO 5:00 pm Mass on Easter Sunday