Next week, March 20, is Palm Sunday, yes already!  The liturgy calls for a solemn procession into the church with the assembly carrying palm fronds and singing “Hosanna to the Chosen One!” 

At each of our Saturday and Sunday masses we will gather outside of the main doors of the church in our gathering area.  The Greeters and the Ushers will help to distribute the palms to everyone present.  Anyone already seated in the church will be invited to come outside, if they are able, to join the congregation in the gathering area.

After a brief introduction the presider will bless the palms with holy water and an additional gospel reading is proclaimed.  Then six people, carrying large palm fronds, will lead the procession of the congregation into the church.  This commemorates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem when the pilgrims waving palm branches greeted him with shouts of joy.  Palm fronds are signs of life and resurrection.

The liturgy of this day begins in joyful exultation, but as we move into the Liturgy of the Word, and the Passion reading is proclaimed, the tone changes as we begin the solemn events of Holy Week.  The highpoint of the entire liturgical year lies ahead: the Sacred Triduum, The Three Days, at which time we commemorate the Last Supper, the Passion of Jesus, the Initiation Rites of the Easter Vigil and the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday morning.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to partake of the Triduum.  Next week I’ll conclude this series with a look at the Easter Vigil.  Please plan to attend, you'll be enriched greatly.