My Dear Friends
JESUS TRIUMPHANT ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM AND THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM
As we enter this most Solemn Liturgical part of our Easter Celebration’s we are doing so in a very different mode. Due to
Covid-19 we are well and truly taken out of our comfort zone. Everything that is sacred to us in our Liturgy at this time of year is now being stripped right back to the bare bones. We can do one of two things; we can accept that this is our present situation and embrace it or we can get all upset and criticize the people who made these decisions. I know where my energy is going!
It is my prayer for you and your family that you will welcome the challenge of being taken out of your comfort zone and allow the working of God’s Holy Spirit to embrace, enfold and lead you to the place where he alone can feed your soul.
As we embark with Jesus on his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, this Sunday let our hearts sing, wave and dance with joy inwardly as we welcome him once again and enthrone him in our hearts.
Through the Paschal Triduum Jesus wants us to come aside and be with him. In the presence of his ever-lasting memorial of his wondrous gift, the bread of life, the cup of salvation, the depth of his love by his passion and death on a cross and finally bringing us into the light of his Glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday!
What a generous God, that he wants his people to feed off and live in the light of his Crucified and Glorious Son!
Such is the love that God has for us his Children. Have a blessed Holy Week.
The following are some of the changes that will form part of our holy week services:
MAUNDY THURSDAY – THE LORD’S SUPPER
There will be no washing of feet.
There will be no watching at the Altar of Repose.
GOOD FRIDAY – THE PASSION OF THE LORD
Gospel
Proclamation of the Passion according to Saint John, to be read by Fr John no congregation participation.
Universal Prayers.
The Universal Prayer should be carried out without undue delay. Like last year, a special intention (For the afflicted in time of Pandemic) is to be inserted before the intercession for those in Tribulation (X).
Adoration of the Holy Cross.
The Holy Cross will be elevated for the congregation to either genuflect or bow in adoration.
Collection.
Holy See collection for the Holy Places of Palestine
HOLY SATURDAY NIGHT – THE EASTER VIGIL
No Easter Fire
Paschal Candle
The Paschal candle should be prepared, enthroned in the Sanctuary and simply lit at the beginning of the celebration of the Easter Vigil.
No votive Candles for the congregation.
The Easter Proclamation (the Exultet) is immediately played.
The Word of God
Two Old Testament readings from both the Law and the Prophets
with their respective psalms, in addition to the reading of Exodus 14 and its canticle and the Gospel of the Day.
Holy Water
No blessing with holy water during the Renewal of Baptismal Promises.
Easter Sunday – The Glorious Resurrection of the Lord!
Holy Water No blessing with holy water during the Renewal of Baptismal Promises.
Fr John