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.