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“Dear brothers and sisters, let us prepare to live the Holy Triduum intensely, in order to share ever more deeply in the Mystery of Christ. We are accompanied in this itinerary by the Blessed Virgin who silently followed her Son Jesus to Calvary, taking part with deep sorrow in his sacrifice and thus cooperating in the mystery of the Redemption and becoming Mother of all believers (cf. Jn 19: 25-27). Together with her we shall enter the Upper Room, we shall remain at the foot of the Cross, we shall watch in spirit beside the dead Christ, waiting with hope for the dawn of the radiant day of the Resurrection.”
–Pope Benedict XVI (1927-2022)
Hello {First Name},
Holy Week 2023
Dear Friends,
The truth of Jesus Christ Risen warms our hearts with new hope. He, who suffered a terrible death on the cross, has been raised in glory. Through his death and resurrection, Christ changes death for us into a doorway to an even greater experience of life. May our Holy Week journey with Christ deepen our faith, hope, and love.
Easter is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. It is also a time for receiving and sharing God's love. Come and experience His love with us! Please share this invitation with your friends, family, and neighbors as all are welcome to worship with us throughout Holy Week.
Tomorrow is Holy Thursday and we will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7 PM and, thereby, be connected with Christ's institution of the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Church will be open until midnight to allow for various bus pilgrimmages and private prayer.
On Good Friday we will go with the Lord to his cross. On the evening of Holy Saturday we will assemble for the Great Vigil of Easter, celebrating the whole arc of salvation history. The Vigil culminates in the communication of saving grace to our Elect and Candidates and in the celebration of the Lord's Resurrection.
Easter has also traditionally been a time to show our gratitude to God for the gift of faith by making a financial offering to the parish. As we celebrate Easter together, I ask you to prayerfully consider a special gift to benefit our parish.
Your contribution will strengthen our ministries and the thousands of parishioners who worship together with us. Reaching this goal will require a thoughtful gift by each of our parishioners to raise the funds necessary to fulfill our mission and ministries, and preserve the beauty of our historic church.
As I thank God for the gift of my faith, I will also thank Him for the gift of you, the people of Saint Alphonsus Parish. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones during this Easter Season.
May our celebration of Christ's Easter Mysteries strengthen you in faith and may God bless you abundantly!
In the peace of Christ,
Rev. Steven Bauer,
Pastor
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