Last year our churches were closed at this most sacred time of the Christian year. Ceremonies were taped in empty churches to offer some spiritual nourishment to those not only prevented from being in church but also confined to their homes.

 

Thank God this year, although limitations on the size of congregations and the mask and social distancing requirements are still in place, our churches are open again.

 

Here at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish this evening, Holy Thursday, at 7:30pm, we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper to recall Christ’s humbly washing his disciples’ feet and celebrate the gift of his body and blood in the Eucharist.  Our church will remain open for prayer until 10:30pm after the celebration of Night Prayer.

 

At the 3pm service tomorrow, Good Friday, we will read the narrative of Our Lord’s Passion and Death according to St. John, venerate the cross and receive holy communion for the last time before we celebrate Christ's resurrection. A vespers service with the reading of the Passion according to St. John will held at 7:30 Good Friday evening in the church.  

 

Our celebration of the Resurrection will occur at the wonderful Easter vigil on Saturday evening during which the Paschal Candle symbolizing the Risen Christ will be lit and the proclamation of his Resurrection will be sung.

 

In addition to these liturgies, we will celebrate morning prayer at 9am on Friday and Saturday mornings.

 

If you think you are not yet ready to come to church in person all these liturgies will be livestreamed.

 

If you can be here, your presence will make these celebrations all the more meaningful. And please help St. Thomas make new friends by bringing with you to church or join you for the livestreaming folks who may not ordinarily celebrate Holy Week. This is Msgr Frank Maniscalco, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle wishing you a blessed Holy week and joyful Easter.