There is, perhaps, no office in the whole liturgy so peculiar, so interesting, so composite, so dramatic as the office and ceremonial of Good Friday. Our current Good Friday liturgy has its earliest roots dating back to 800 A.D.  It includes ancient prayers for the Church, our nation, and the world.  We will have the chance to venerate the cross and understand more clearly what it means when we say "we adore you, O Christ."  We will hear the beauty of St. John's gospel as our choir sings the Passion story as told in John's gospel.  The liturgy ends with the stark but moving prayer: " Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory...."

      At the Great Vigil of Easter, we all gather outside in the darkness and using the tradition handed down through the Church for centuries, we kindle the new fire of Easter which is the light of Christ rising in glory, overcoming the darkness of sin and death! The Paschal Candle is then lighted. The Paschal candle is large, and traditionally made of 100% beeswax. It is marked with a cross, an Alpha, and an Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The four numbers of the year are marked between the arms of the cross, symbolizing that Christ has, and always will be with humanity, and is with humanity now. Once the Paschal Candle is lighted, we then each light candles and process into the darkened church, with this new fire of Easter and see the darkness overcome by the light of Christ each of us bears in our hands. It is the church year's most holy and joyful night, for it proclaims and celebrates all of Christ's saving work. The Great Easter Vigil draws Christians into the reality of Christ's life, passion, death, and resurrection.

      Easter Sunday we will modify our usual Mass schedule to welcome our members and visitors to gather to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

We are excited about not only the fun of the children's Easter egg hunt, but also our first Easter Bonnet parade/contest.  Wear your fanciest Easter hat - one that might make it to the Derby or the Queen's garden party, or one that is silly and fun (you can even make a fun hat at church for our parade).   Sunday school resumes 4/28; our parish offices will be closed and there will be no programs Easter Week.  We resume our regular schedule 4/29.