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Pastor's Page 2022-04-10

Dear St. Gabriel Parishioners:

 

  • On Palm Sunday this year, with the royal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and in a burst of enthusiasm, the people of Jerusalem waved palm branches and greeted Jesus as he entered the city riding on a donkey. The acclamation: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” is only found in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus is explicitly given the title king when he enters Jerusalem in triumph.  The peaceful figure of Jesus rises above the hostility and anger of the crowds and the tortuous legal process he endures.  Jesus remains a true model of reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.

 

Throughout the Gospel account, Luke stresses the innocence of Jesus who is the victim of the powers of evil and who goes to his death in fulfillment of his Father’s will.  Luke emphasizes the mercy, compassion, and healing power of Jesus who does not go to death lonely and deserted, but is accompanied by others who follow him on the way of the Cross.

 

In Luke’s moving story, the palm of triumph and the Cross of the Passion are not a contradiction.  Herein lays the heart of the mystery proclaimed during Holy Week - Jesus gave himself up voluntarily to the Passion; he was not crushed by forces greater than himself.  Jesus freely faced crucifixion and in death was triumphant.  Along the way of the Cross, Luke offers us role models who teach us to live in our daily lives Jesus’ Passion as a journey towards resurrection.

 

H O L Y   W E E K

 

  • The “Holiest Week” of the year begins today, but the world doesn’t stop. Everything goes on:  The regular TV programs, the regular schedule etc….  So, if YOU and I want this to be a “Holy Weekwhat should you and I be doingWe must decide….

 

Inspired by the fruit of this Lenten Season, perhaps, planning to attend the Triduum ... or ... sign-up to personally participate in the Rituals of the Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil… (Please see the sign-up sheets at the Main entrance and in the Community Room).

 

TRIDUUM:

    • As a process of preparation for the Holy Week and anticipating the “Joy of Easter”, I’d like to invite you to plan for your families to attend these special Liturgies
    • Palm SundayApril 10: A formal procession is scheduled for 11:00 AM Mass at St. Gabriel around the Church parking.
    • Holy ThursdayApril 14 at 7:00 PM: Mass of the Lord’s Supper with “Reception of the New OilsOil of Catechumen, Oil of the Sick and Sacred Chrism”; “The Commemoration of the Last Supper”; “Foot Washing” and “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
    • Good FridayApril 15 at 7:00 PM: The Passion of the Lord Service with the Veneration of the Cross. Also, there will be opportunities for 3 different “Prayer Experiences” earlier in the afternoon:  Liturgy of the Hours (Noon), Divine Mercy Chaplet (1 PM), Meditation of the Holy Rosary (2 PM) and Stations of the Cross (3 PM). 
    • Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) – April 16 at 8:30PM: This is a “special night” where the Church welcomes newly baptized Catholics.  This night begins with a ritual of blessing of the Fire and a solemn lighting of the Easter Candle as “Christ, the Light of the world”.  A special procession of carrying the “Light of Christ” and passing on this Light of Christ will take us into the Church with ALL the children carrying a “special light”!!!  Come and find out what this is all about.
    • Easter Sunday April 17, Masses at St. Gabriel will be: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM.  Liturgical Ministers, please check ahead with your family schedule for the Holy Week in order to help our parish with these special extra Liturgies.
  • Don’t forget to continue reading from the “black bookA Reflection Book for the Lenten Season”.

Christ’s Peace, 
Fr. Phuong Hoang

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