Palm Sunday, April 9

I. Communal Reconciliation Service on Palm Sunday:  This amazing  Sacrament of forgiveness will be offered on Palm Sunday, April 7, at 2:00pm; we plan to have 12 priest available as confessors. The forgiveness of God offered freely must be consciously received! Bring your family!

II. Chrism Mass: every Catholic in Daviess County and beyond, should make a galliant effort to celebrate the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30pm with Bishop Medley, gathered with the priests, deacons, religious sisters, and laypeople of the Diocese of Owensboro. Bishop Medley blesses the Oils of Chrism, the Sick, and Catechumens, then distributes these Holy Oils to representatives from each parish and institution throughout the Diocese. Nota Bene: as recommended, there will be no Masses at St. Stephen Cathedral on Tuesday, April 11, hopefully encouraging you to make every effort to celebrate the this once in a year Chrism Mass with our shepherd.

III. A).  One Mystery Celebrated Over Three Days (Triduum): cancel all unnecessary meetings this week, cancel whatever needs to be canceled that you can be present for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.  The Triduum is that important and central since we celebrate “the greatest mysteries of our redemption.”

B). The Sacred Pascal Triduum, gathering to pray, building toward the Easter vigil of Holy Saturday, which can only begin at sunset. Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday) commemorates the institution of Eucharist and the priesthood, as well as Jesus’ command of love and service.

C).  McRaith Pastoral Center Chapel will be used this year for the reservation and adoration of the Eucharist as we conclude our Holy Thursday Services, and again for Night and Evening Prayer during the Triduum. There is a unique connection between the cathedral the Mother Church of Saint Stephen Cathedral and our Bishop, who shepherds the Diocese from the McRaith Pastoral Center. The Chapel is on the first floor, and the elevator near Cedar Street will be available.

D). Good Friday Services: The Church recommends that the Good Friday service begin at 3:00, the traditional time of Jesus death which initiates our Redemption; for pastoral reasons (work schedules, school, etc.), the time is often later. If you have a conflict at 3:00, I invite you to Blessed Sacrament Chapel (Sycamore & 7th Street) for a 7:00pm Good Friday service.

E). Strict Day of Fasting: The Pascal fast is to be kept everywhere on the Friday of the Lords Passion (Good Friday), but the Roman Missal goes on to recommend that it be probably long through Holy Saturday. Well the Lenten fast is centered on penance, conversion, and renewal, the Pascal fast is more focused on preparation and anticipation; It is a way of preparing to come, “with spirits uplifted, to the joys of the Lord’s resurrection.”

IV. Say It With Flowers! It’s not too late “to honor and/or remember” loved ones by making an offering for our flowers during the Easter season. These flowers will grace our church and our people throughout the Easter season. Envelopes are in your tithing packets, or you can give online.