I had the liberty one year ago to bless a palm and place it on my crucifix hanging on the wall. Palms were not allowed to be distributed last year regardless of the supply received by each parish; such was the fear and protective measures as the Coronavirus became more prevalent. Gratefully, we are in a “different place” regarding our understanding and measures to protect parishioners and visitors. Holy Week is renewed with full participation—albeit some restrictions— as we enter this journey of faith with the symbol of the palms and the reading of the Passion. We are asked to consider the wellbeing of others who are present while participating through the shared prayers, the music, the Eucharist—and the presence our God drawing us into His unconditional love through the redeeming sacrifice and life giving resurrection. We are allowed to make use of all the pews with respective distancing, to again process in as Mass begins, to share in the reflective and joyful music, and to find our place in the community formed through the sharing of the Eucharist. We are still asked to wear a mask while in church at the bequest of the Bishop, providing a degree of protection and an awareness.
As we are invited to participate in these days leading to our Easter promise, Pope Francis’ words provide us the direction: “The Cross is the word through which God has responded to evil in the world. Sometimes it may seem as though God does not react to evil, as if he is silent. And yet, God has spoken, he has replied, and his answer is the Cross of Christ: a word which is love, mercy, forgiveness. It is also reveals a judgment, namely that God, in judging us, loves us. Remember this: God, in judging us, loves us. If I embrace his love then I am saved, if I refuse it, then I am condemned, not by him, but my own self, because God never condemns, he only loves and saves.”
Holy Thursday draws us into the initiate setting of the Last Supper, the root of the Eucharist we share, and the calling forth to serve through the spirit of Christ Jesus. Good Friday—a day of fasting and abstinence—is a somber reminder of Christ Jesus’ suffering for all humanity, and the times of our own personal doubt in spite of the gift of faith we share. Holy Saturday brings forth the light in the darkness, the awakening of the soul to a greater presence within and before us regardless of where we are and what our blessings or circumstances have been. On this evening we welcome those who have been preparing to receive the Sacraments. Easter Sunday, a profound summit of who we are as Christians celebrated through the joyful music and the sharing once again in the Eucharist.
As we step into Holy Week, reflecting on the most consequential time of Jesus’ humanity, the words of St. Augustine seem appropriate: “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.”
Our Mass schedule for Holy Week and Easter Sunday:
     Holy Thursday: 5:30p, Ogden; 7:00pm, Madrid & Boone
     Good Friday: 12:15pm, Boone; 6:00pm, Ogden & Madrid
     Saturday Easter Vigil: 5:30pm, Madrid; 8:00pm, Boone
     Easter: 8:00am & 10:00am, Boone; 8:30am, Madrid; 10:00am, Ogden.
Fr. Ross and I are trying to celebrate these Holy Week liturgies with times that are appropriate. We will accommodate, safely, all who attend our Holy Week liturgies, especially on Easter Sunday. Confessions will be offered immediately after the Masses on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” (Og Mandingo, Christian author)

May God Bless,
Fr. Tim