LENT - SIGNS OF THE SEASON
LINKS
THE PASCHAL CANDLE…representing the risen Christ, is removed until the Easter Vigil.
HOLY WATER… a reminder of our baptism, is also removed until the Easter water is blessed at the Easter Vigil.
ALLELUIA… is not sung during lent, it is gloriously proclaimed beginning at the Easter Vigil.
FLOWERS… are gone and return at Easter.
PURPLE… the color of penance, “be reconciled with God so that in Christ we might become the very holiness of God.” (2Cor 5:21)
GUIDELINES FOR FAST AND ABSTINENCE
Lenten fast and abstinence regulations for the Diocese of Worcester are as follows:
- Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen (14) years of age and older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent.
- Fasting is to be observed by all Catholics who are eighteen (18) years of age but not yet fifty-nine years of age on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
- Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed Lenten penitential practices.
http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/lent.htm - Readings
http://www.catholic-church.org/kuwait/lenten_prayershtm - Prayers
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/02/Lent-Prayers-for-Strength-and-Endurance.aspx - Prayers for Strength and Endurance
http://www.catholicmom.com/lent.htm - Resources
http://www.yenra.com/catholic/prayers/lent.html - Practices
http://www.vatican.va/liturgical_year/lent/2009/index_lent2009_en.html - Lent 2009 at the Vatican
HOLY WEEK
The culmination of Lent finds expression in this week called “HOLY”. We enter prayerfully into the saving mysteries of Christ’s passing through Death to Glory.
PALM SUNDAY
Blessing and sharing of the Palms today. Many who cheered Jesus as He entered triumphant into Jerusalem would jeer Him and ridicule Him in just a few days. Jesus taught that His Kingdom is within each of us. We read The Passion of Jesus at the 5:00 PM Mass, with a dramatic presentation at the 4:30 Saturday and 8 & 10 AM on Sunday Masses. Red vestments are worn to symbolize Christ’s passion.
THE SACRED TRIDUUM one holy event, the Paschal Mystery:
HOLY THURSDAY…
7:30 PM MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER… commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the sacrament of Holy Orders. Jesus gives us a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” The traditional washing of feet takes place. There is a re-commitment to the Priesthood. The Blessed Sacrament is especially honored this night with a procession to the “Altar of Repose” set up in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Adoration follows until 11:00 PM. Offerings received this night are for the Rice Bowls.
7:30 PM MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER… commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the sacrament of Holy Orders. Jesus gives us a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” The traditional washing of feet takes place. There is a re-commitment to the Priesthood. The Blessed Sacrament is especially honored this night with a procession to the “Altar of Repose” set up in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Adoration follows until 11:00 PM. Offerings received this night are for the Rice Bowls.
GOOD FRIDAY…
9:00 AM Ecumenical Cross Walk starts at the Federated Church and concludes at the Masonic Home
3:00 PM Way of the Cross
7:30 PM LITURGY OF OUR LORD’S PASSION WITH RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION… commemorate the day Our Lord died for our sins. Silence, the reading of The Passion, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion are part of the Liturgy. At the Veneration of the Cross, we invite those who would like, to remove their shoes before coming forward to venerate the Cross. Mass is not celebrated, but Holy Eucharist, consecrated on Holy Thursday, is received in Holy Communion. Offerings received this day are for the works of mercy and the Shrines in the Holy Land. Novena to the Divine Mercy begins today (Novena Booklets will be on the tables in the Narthex by Friday
EASTER VIGIL...
7:30 PM ON HOLY SATURDAY… Night watch of the resurrection. From ancient times, Easter Eve has been celebrated as the time of Vigil proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus. This includes: vigiling in darkness and blessing of the Easter Fire, giving thanks for the Light, blessing The Paschal Candle and singing the Exsultet; proclaiming God’s Word- the story of our creation and salvation; blessing of Water and Baptism (renewal of Baptism promises), as well as Confirmation. BELLS… proclaim the Resurrection. You may bring a bell to herald Jesus’ rising as we sing The Gloria. There will be refreshments served after the vigil in the Church Hall.
EASTER SUNDAY...
Mass is celebrated at 8:00am, 10:00am and 5:00pm
“We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You… because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.”