Holy Week is a blessing that the Lord offers us. The work of Christ is loving and as we look to Christ’s life, and His death, we are compelled to consider the sacrifices it requires of us as we seek to live God’s will. As we prepare for the holiest days of the week, I want to provide you an update of the Parish.

On April 1, 2020, Bishop David O’Connell, in consultation with public health officials mandated the closing of all Churches and Chapels in the Diocese of Trenton until further notice. This decision was made out of concern for the physical well-being of all and while we cannot gather publicly for the Paschal Triduum, we can unite with one another in faith, hope and prayer from home.

So that you can walk more deeply with Christ, and participate in our Holy Week services, St. Catherine of Siena Parish is happy to provide a live stream of the Mass and liturgies for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.

Our Masses will be live streamed via our Parish YouTube Channel. To connect, you can visit the home page of our website, www.sienachurch.org or the direct link is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAqnXLgCeOg1rwj52vNsMA
Here is the schedule and some context for these services.

Holy Thursday: On April 9, 2020, we will live stream the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 PM. This Mass, in all its grace and beauty, commemorates the Lord’s institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood. However, this year it is altered due to the diocesan COVID-19 protocol as there will be no “Washing of the Feet.” The customary procession and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will be omitted as well.

Good Friday: On April 10, 2020, we will live stream The Commemoration/Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00 PM. A special commemoration in the General intercessions for the sick, the dead and for those who feel lost or dismayed will be used.

Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil: On April 11, 2020, we will live stream the Easter Vigil at 7:30 PM. There will be no Easter Fire or gathering outside the Church. The lighting of the Paschal Candle will begin the Vigil.  On Holy Saturday, we are invited to safely display a lighted candle in the window of our homes at sunset, (7:32 pm) as a symbol of our unity with Catholics throughout the world as Paschal Candles are being lit at the Easter Vigils. In our Diocese of Trenton, this symbol will be “A light in the Darkness,” the darkness that has been the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Easter Sunday – On April 12, 2020 our Easter Vigil live stream that has been recorded will satisfy the Sunday the Obligation and can be viewed by visiting our Parish YouTube Channel on Easter Sunday. Or please visit the diocesan website, www.dioceseoftrenton.org for a listing of live streamed Masses that morning.

Remember that you are in our prayers each day and we ask the Lord to unite our prayers and ourselves this Holy Week. May you know God’s blessings as the solemnity of Holy Week gives way to the joys of the Easter season.

Holy Week Reflection by Father Angelito

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