CHURCH OF SAINT AIDAN April 5, 2020

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Hear the cries of those Queen of the Angels and who are vulnerable and fearful, Mother of the Americas. wipe away their tears and help them to trust. We fly to you today as your beloved children. In this time of trial and testing, We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, teach all of us in the to love one as you did at the wedding in Cana. another and to be patient and kind. Pray for us, loving Mother, Help us to bring the peace of Jesus and gain for our nation and world, to our land and to our hearts. and for all our families and loved ones, We come to you with confidence, the protection of your holy angels, knowing that you truly are that we may be spared the worst our compassionate mother, of this illness. health of the sick and cause of our joy. For those already afflicted, Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, we ask you to obtain the grace keep us in the embrace of your arms, of healing and deliverance. help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen. 505 Willis Ave. We invite Williston Park New York 11596-1727 everyone to 516-746-6585 516-404-2746 (Cell) walk with 516-746-6055 (Fax) Jesus Rectory Office Closed www.staidanparish.org and [email protected] experience Pastor Rev. Adrian McHugh His healing

Associate Pastors power and Rev. Ken Grooms Rev. Solomon Odinukwe love In Residence Rev. Edward Sheridan THE RECTORY OFFICE IS CLOSED Rev. Salvatore B. Villani will manually add you to receive emails Rev. Rudy Martin ext. 411 TO LEAVE A PHONE MESSAGE from our Parish through our email CALL 516-746-6585 St. Aidan School server Constant Contact. ext. 202, 203 Grades Nursery-2 TO TALK TO A ext. 302, 303 Grades 3-8 ALL ARE SUSPENDED CALL 516-404-2746 Principal No further liturgies are permitted at Mrs. Julie O’Connell the Church of St. Aidan until further Assistant Principal Daily from St. Aidan can be notice. This includes funerals, Ms. Barbara Graham viewed on staidanparish.org. A video weddings, , and any other message for the children of St. Aidan cause for gathering people together in Faith Formation Parish and School can be found under ext. 404, 405 the Church, other than private the 'Video' button. Director ext. 406 prayer. Emergency sacraments are

Mrs. Elaine Smith, permitted, as always, but while CHURCH exercising the health Youth Ministry St. Aidan Church will remain open for precautions. Burial services may be Coordinator ext. 403 private prayer from 10:00 AM to 1:00 offered if possible, while observing all Mr. Stephen Loewenthal PM. You my enter by the door at safe distance precautions, and should the St. Francis garden or the door for be done at the grave site. Wake Music Director the disabled. Please maintain the Mr. Drago Bubalo ext. 130 services should no longer be proper precautions regarding [email protected] conducted. Both wakes and funeral distancing and do not congregate in (memorial) Masses can be postponed. groups of people. Social Ministry, Director Confessions will not be advertised or

Ms. Rosemarie Cavallaro scheduled. However, can be ext. 410, 408 PARISH EMAIL conducted when urgently needed and If you wish to be added to email when requested on a case-by-case Buildings & Grounds ext. distributions of the Parish Bulletin and basis. Please observe safety 107 other messages, please email Bonnie precautions. Parente at [email protected]. She PALMS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE TO PICK UP AT THIS TIME

DURING MASSES WILL BE CELEBRATED IN PRIVATE BY THE to the Son

MONDAY, APRIL 6 MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. Ed 6:30 AM Victor Liotta (2nd Anniversary Rem.) of David Fr. Ken 9:00 AM Gertrude Wilson (22nd Anniversary Rem.) Fr. Solomon 12:30 PM Dcd. Mbrs. of the Oliver & Freeman Families Fr. Adrian 5:30 PM Santo & Crocina Donato

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. Ed 6:30 AM Leo Hahn Fr. Solomon 9:00 AM Antonio Ohle Fr. Ken 12:30 PM Rose Pravati (Birthday Rem.) Fr. Adrian 5:30 PM George Kurtz

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK Fr. Ed 6:30 AM Agnes Villa (5th Anniversary Rem.) Fr. Solomon 9:00 AM Margaret Mary Kenny Fr. Adrian 12:30 PM Louisa Colelli (Birthday Rem.) Fr. Ken 5:30 PM Gerina Catalanotto (1st Anniversary Rem.)

11:00 AM The Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral by Barres on Wednesday of Holy Week (April 8, 2020) at 11:00 am and will be broadcast on CFN.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 HOLY THURSDAY 8:00 PM The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be broadcast live from the Cathedral at 8:00 pm on CFN on Holy Thursday.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Blessed is 3:00 PM The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord will be broadcast live from the Cathedral at 3:00 pm on CFN on Good Friday. he who

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 8:00 PM The Vigil Mass will be broadcast live from the comes in Cathedral at 8:00 pm on CFN on Holy Saturday.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 EASTER SUNDAY the name Fr. Ken 7:30 AM Cosgrove, Manning, Healey & Schnall Families Fr. Adrian 9:00 AM Donald, Joseph & Lily Botst Fr. Ed 10:30 AM (Church) Milohnic, Mossa & Rizzi Families Fr. Solomon 10:30 AM (Kirwin) James Dunne of the Fr. Ken 12:00 PM (Church) Lv. Ints. of Georgeou Family John & Gregg Fiore John Patrick Mulrooney Lord Shirley Odonits Fr. Adrian 12:00 PM (Kirwin) Evelyn & Joe Eichner Fr. Solomon 1:30 PM Parishioners of St. Aidan

What’s Pastor Thinking What is your favorite part of Holy Week? Like the disciples on Holy Saturday, we too remain Maybe it’s the beginning when we bless indoors. Like them we are confused, afraid and palms and take them home as a sign that worried about what is happening around us. Jesus is welcome here. We want to be among the The disciples had forgotten a conversation Jesus had crowd that shouts ‘Hosanna.’ Maybe you were with them just a couple days earlier. When talking to impressed on Monday of Holy Week when churches his disciples on Thursday, Jesus takes time to warn were open for confessions for hours. I love Holy them about the grief, disappointment, doubt, and Thursday when we gathered in the cathedral for the silence they would encounter during the days to come. and renewed our vows to serve God’s Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and people. Then we took holy oils back to our parishes for mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but the celebration of the sacraments of initiation and your grief will turn to joy. A women giving birth to a healing in the year ahead. On Holy Thursday evening child has pain because her time has come; but when we celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper which her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her includes feet washing — representing Jesus’ last night joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: now and reckless act of love and humility with his is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you disciples. Good Friday is remembered and celebrated will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John in experiential services, where participants feel, taste, 16:20-22). Jesus is talking about the darkest day the touch, and smell the events of the crucifixion. disciples will ever experience. He knows they will be What about Saturday? Saturday is a day of silence. A met with silence. But he’s asking them to wait. To hold silence that echoes how the disciples felt after their on to the hope he offers them-the hope that lies leader, teacher, and friend was executed. They beyond the pain and grief and doubt. remained locked indoors, wallowing in the silence and Despite the silence, Jesus promises that joy is coming. unanswered prayers. Jesus is still dead. He’s still in the During these days of worry, isolation, pain and grave. They were probably terrified that they are next; confusion… In our moments where we are left that the mere association with Jesus will lead to their wallowing in the silence of God, and unanswered crucifixion. They were grieving the loss of a friend and prayers… When we remain stuck in our Silent teacher. They were humiliated they really believed that Saturdays — those days that follow our darkest he was the Messiah–the savior of the world. Doubt moments — we too can hold on to the promise, one creeps in. that Jesus gave his disciples some 2000 years ago: JOY Because of the spread of the coronavirus and the IS COMING. A JOY THAT NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY. precautions we have to take by staying at home and I’m looking forward to answering the refrain of Easter maintaining social distancing, there will be a silence Sunday: HE IS RISEN….. HE IS RISEN INDEED. throughout Holy Week like the silence of Holy In whatever ways you are wrestling with the silence of Saturday. Do not be afraid to embrace silence, for God during these Covid-19 days, hold on to the hope silence reveals so much to us about ourselves and our that WE ARE AN EASTER PEOPLE AND IS deeper needs—including our need for God, for love, for OUR SONG. Have a blessed Holy Week. Church, for life. ACT OF SPIRITUAL PLEASE REMAIN AT HOME DAILY MASS COMMUNION Catholics are hereby dispensed Daily Mass can be viewed at My Jesus, I believe that You are from their obligation to attend staidanparish.org. present in the Most Holy Sunday Mass. Masses are said in Sacrament. I love You above all private for the intentions listed in 2021 MASS BOOK things, and I desire to receive the bulletin. Go to our parish The date for opening the 2021 will You into my soul. Since I cannot website, staidanparish.org, to join be announced later. at this moment receive You daily Mass. sacramentally, come at least MAP OF JERUSALEM spiritually into my heart. 1. The Golden Gate I embrace You as if You were Palms will not be made available 2. The Temple already there and unite myself to people for pickup at this time. 3. The Court of the Gentiles wholly to You. Never permit me 4. The to be separated from You. Amen. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 5. The Garden of Gethsemane All First Holy Communion Masses 6. House of Caiaphas WE PRAY FOR OUR SICK scheduled for April and May are 7. Fortress of Antonia Jill Ohl suspended. A future date has not 8. Herod's Palace Lily O’Rourke been decided. 9. Hasmonaean Palace John Joseph Mulrooney 10. Golgotha Steve Pomticello Kay Perro Mark Cristello Richard Pearles Maryann Katkowsky Sean Anderson Francesca Cacavale Thomas Yorke Helen Bondurant Ashley Lyons Judy Kostovick Jack Groothuis Sharon Devis Agnes Chun Blaise DeCario Webber Virginia Fallon Virgini Bradley Sue Fleming Kathleen Donnelly Frank Keenan Isabella Mueller Eileen Fitzgerald Richard Arcario

STEWARDSHIP loyolapress.com and sadlierreligion.com have some Please remember, even though our church is quiet, family activities and informative articles. facility utilities do not go away. Needs of our Family Mass: Today is Palm Sunday 2020! The community, school, social ministry and families still Family Mass has been journeying through by remain. We cannot meet such needs without your having a special Word of the Week. This week the help. As we are not able to serve in large groups or in story is the most moving gospel in the person, our gifts of prayer and treasure are ever so , the Passion and Death of Our Lord, important, even crucial to get us through this difficult Jesus . (Matthew 27:11-54) The Word of the time. Currently, our parish is experiencing a severe Week is SACRIFICE. Hang up the word sacrifice on cash flow problem but we are managing the the refrigerator. Here are a few simple suggestions on situation. If you haven’t already, please consider incorporating the word throughout the week: setting up a recurring gift online. 117 parishioners are Sacrifice by not eating meat on an extra day this week donating online. It takes a few simple steps. Go plus Friday; Sacrifice by giving up a favorite television to staidanparish.org and press the ‘Donate’ button show or video game especially on Good Friday; and the rest is seamless, automatic, and very Sacrifice by having a light, simple dinner and donating flexible. You can also continue to mail your gifts and the money saved to charity especially on Holy envelopes to the parish at St. Aidan Rectory Office, Thursday; Sacrifice your time by participating in Holy 505 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596. Thursday and Good Friday liturgies via television or Thank you. Fr. Adrian online; Sacrifice by offering or asking for forgiveness especially within the family on Reconciliation FAITH FORMATION BULLETIN Monday. Religious Education classes were scheduled to end on If you need to reach me during this time, please email April 2nd. Therefore, classes will not resume until me at [email protected]. I promise to keep September. you posted as we continue to move through these Grades 7 and 8 Parents: I will continue to monitor the challenging days. Let us pray for one another. circumstances and will make any adaptations Elaine Smith necessary regarding preparations. Please be sure your children are studying the Catholic THE ROSARY SOCIETY Basics section of their Confirmation packets (green The intention of the April Corporate Mass is deceased sheets). You will receive updates as more information Rosarian Patricia Tomasone. Please remember her is available. and her family in your prayers. Also remember those First Communion: All First Holy Communion Masses who are ill from the virus and their families and those scheduled for April and May are suspended. A future who love them. Our thoughts and prayers are date has not been decided. Please continue to work with doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and first with your children about receiving Holy Communion. responders and all who are looking after our needs. You can refer to the materials that were provided at May God Bless us all. the First Communion Parents Meetings. During this most important time in the liturgical year which is SOCIAL MINISTRY Holy Week, when we cannot come together for Mass, In light of the impending health crisis affecting our the following websites may be helpful: Google USCCB community the Social Ministry office would like to (United States Catholic Conference of ) provide help to the elderly, home bound, the immuno provides the Scripture readings for Mass, suppressed and anyone in need of food or non- catholicmom.com has many of the Mass worksheets perishable supplies. Please contact the rectory at 516 made available to the children at the Family Mass, -746-6585 or our parish cell 516-404-2746. Thank you, Ro Cavallaro

LITURGICAL GUIDELINES FOR CELEBRATING HOLY WEEK IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

On March 19, 2020, the Congregation for Divine PASTORAL LETTER: “THE GREAT WEEK” Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a Bishop Barres has issued a Pastoral Letter on Holy decree, signed by the Prefect Cardinal Sarah, entitled: Week entitled The Great Week: A Pilgrimage with the “In the Time of COVID-19”. In this decree, the Holy Lord in Holy Week. The original purpose of the See has made special provisions for priests to Pastoral Letter was to encourage people to attend the celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week without the Holy Week liturgies in their home parishes. However, faithful being present. This document was in this time when the liturgies will be experienced subsequently updated by the Congregation on March “virtually” by many of our people, it may assist them 25, and again on March 26, 2020. Pastors are in better experiencing and understanding the liturgies instructed to follow the guidelines of the they view on CFN or online. Pastors and priests are Congregation, as outlined below, in their celebration asked to encourage their parishioners to make use of of the liturgies of Holy Week. this resource which may be accessed at its own webpage: www.thegreatweek.com. “Given that the date of Easter cannot be transferred, in the countries which have been struck by the disease PALM SUNDAY and where restrictions around the assembly and  The Palm Sunday Mass will be broadcast live movement of people have been imposed, Bishops and from the Cathedral at 11:00 am on CFN on Palm priests may celebrate the rites of Holy Week without Sunday. the presence of the people and in a suitable place, avoiding concelebration and omitting the sign of  For the Proclamation of the Passion, peace.” (COVID-19 II Decree) may be read straight-through by the , a concelebrant, or the Priest-celebrant himself (in The , however, is to be celebrated only in the absence of a Deacon). The and Cathedrals and Parish Churches. “The faithful should Book of the Gospels present the Gospel in this be informed of the times of the celebration so that format, which may be more suitable in this year’s they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes.” circumstances. Otherwise, the Gospel may be read On this occasion, we invite the faithful to watch the or sung by three persons who take the parts: live (not recorded) televisual liturgies on CFN or Christ, Narrator, and Voice (cf. Circular Letter on EWTN. The liturgies should be broadcast live, if at the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter all possible. (COVID-19 Decree), though they may Feasts 66, cf. 33). Where possible, the part of be posted online for later viewing as well. Christ should be reserved to the Priest (for example, if the Gospel is not sung, or if the Priest Priests are reminded that Holy Communion should not is capable of singing the part). Deacons who read be distributed; they are to make an Act of Spiritual the Passion ask the Priest for his blessing. Communion along with those watching at home. Concelebrants, of course, must receive, but it is  Palms may not be made available to people for suggested that they receive by or that pick up at this time, as this presents an opportunity separate 2 and even may be used for for gatherings of people and the potential their Communion. Priests may wish to assist their transmission of infection. people in making an Act of at the appropriate time. CHRISM MASS Roman Missal: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 44).  The Chrism Mass will be celebrated in the Following the reception of Holy Communion, the Cathedral of St. Agnes by Bishop Barres on is placed in the tabernacle. Wednesday of Holy Week (April 8, 2020) at 11:00 Mass concludes with the Prayer after Communion, am. Priests are earnestly encouraged to watch the Blessing, and Dismissal. broadcast Catholic Faith Network or the livestream on the CFN website and to unite  The Blessed Sacrament remains in the tabernacle themselves spiritually with Bishop Barres and through the beginning of the Celebration of the their brother priests, especially for the Renewal of Passion of the Lord. While solemn adoration may Priestly Promises. Pastors should make their not take place, people should be able to visit the parishioners aware of the Chrism Mass broadcast Blessed Sacrament up until that time. so that they may participate as well. GOOD FRIDAY  Special arrangements will be made for the  The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord will be distribution of Holy Oils to the parishes this year. broadcast live from the Cathedral at 3:00 pm on Holy Oils from 2019 may still be licitly used until CFN on Good Friday. you receive your new Holy Oils.  The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, which  Bishop Barres plans on celebrating a Mass of is already quite simple, should take on its usual Thanksgiving at the Cathedral with the entire form, making use of those options that will be presbyterate of the Diocese at some point in the more appropriate in the present situation. future, when the pandemic has ended. At that Mass the Bishop plans on repeating the Renewal  The Solemn Intercessions follow the Passion and of Priestly Promises with his priests, as well as Homily. An additional special intention “for the welcoming our incardinated brothers into the sick, the dead, for those who feel lost or presbyterate. It is hoped that this will be followed dismayed” is requested this year (COVID-19 by a luncheon with all the priests of the Diocese. Decree), which should be added after the 10th Priests will be informed as soon as a date for this intention. It should take the following form which Mass has been selected. has been approved by Bishop Barres:

LITURGY OF THE HOURS ON HOLY  Deacon/Assisting Minister: Let us pray, dearly THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY, AND HOLY beloved, for a swift end to the coronavirus SATURDAY pandemic that afflicts our world, that our God and  Many of the faithful have become accustomed to Father will heal the sick, strengthen those who participating in celebrations of the Liturgy of the care for them, and help us all to persevere in faith. Hours on the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good [Let us kneel.] (Prayer in silence). [Let us stand.] Friday, and Holy Saturday. You may advise your Priest: Almighty and merciful God, source of all parishioners that Morning Prayer will be broadcast life, health and healing, look with compassion on live from the Cathedral at 9:00 am on CFN on our world, brought low by disease; protect us in those days. the midst of the grave challenges that assail us and in your fatherly providence grant recovery to the HOLY THURSDAY EVENING MASS OF THE stricken, strength to those who care for them, and LORD’S SUPPER success to those working to eradicate this scourge.  The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be Through Christ our Lord. broadcast live from the Cathedral at 8:00 pm on CFN on Holy Thursday.  Since the people will not have the opportunity to participate, it would be appropriate that after the  The Washing of Feet, which is always optional, is Priest and clergy venerate the Cross, the Priest to be omitted this year (COVID-19 Decree). invites those watching to adore the Cross in a few Following the Gospel and Homily, the Mass words, after which he holds the Cross higher for a continues with the Universal Prayer. The is brief time, in which the people adore in silence not said. (see Roman Missal: Friday of the Passion of the Lord, 19).  The Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament is omitted at the end of Mass (COVID-19 Decree), THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT and a much simpler format is followed (see  The Easter Vigil Mass will be broadcast live from the Cathedral at 8:00 pm on CFN on Holy date to assist you in preparing these celebrations. It Saturday. is not permitted for the Sacraments of Initiation or for the Reception Into Full Communion to take  The Easter Vigil “is to be celebrated only in place at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday this Cathedrals and parish churches” (COVID-19 II year. Decree), and not in chapels or other institutions. EASTER SUNDAY  Special care should be taken to celebrate the Vigil  The Easter Sunday Mass will be broadcast live well, even in these unusual circumstances, as it is from the Cathedral at 11:00 am on CFN on Easter “the greatest and most noble of all Sunday. solemnities” (Roman Missal: The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, 2).  In the parishes, Mass without a congregation will be offered. The Creed may be said, or the Renewal CELEBRATION OF THE EASTER of Baptismal Promises may take place after the SACRAMENTS homily, according to the text used at the Easter  The liturgical books for the RCIA make provision Vigil. The sprinkling is omitted. If the Renewal of for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation for Baptismal Promises is done, the Creed is omitted, adults in exceptional circumstances outside the and the Mass continues with the Universal Prayer Easter Vigil. Details will be provided at a later (the Prayer of the Faithful). 1. Public Liturgies. It was announced that as of 6. Pastors are encouraged that if at all possible, to Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 PM, in compliance keep churches open for prayer. Together, we with the Executive Order of the Governor of are all suffering spiritual deprivations. Access New York State, no further public liturgies are to prayer in the churches, especially in the permitted until further notice. This includes presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament, is so funerals, weddings, baptisms, and any other deeply needed at this time. cause for gathering people together in the 7. Only essential personnel for essential church, other than private prayer. operations as defined in the Governor’s 2. Emergency sacraments are permitted, as executive order are permitted to work on always, but while exercising the proper health premises. This may include outreach personnel. precautions. Burial services may be offered if However, proper precautions must be possible, while observing all safe distance observed. All others must work from home. precautions, and should be done at the grave These prudential judgments must be made by site. Wake services should no longer be pastors. conducted. Both wakes and funeral (memorial) 8. Distribution of Palms for Palm Sunday. Pastors Masses can be postponed. should not plan to distribute Palms or make 3. Private Masses and live streamed or recorded them available at this time. Palms will be Masses /devotions are still permitted. Pastors blessed in parish churches on Palm Sunday and can have a very small group of assistants for will be made available to the faithful at a later filming if necessary, but maintaining the proper date. precautions. 9. Confession. Confessions may not be advertised 4. Churches. Following instructions from the or scheduled. However, confession can be office of the Governor, churches can remain conducted when urgently needed and when open for private prayer, while maintaining the requested on a case-by-case basis. Please proper precautions regarding distancing and observe the safety precautions outlined in groups of people congregating. However, no previous memos. public liturgies are permitted. 10. Spiritual Communion. The Faithful are 5. Because the Governor is permitting churches to encouraged to unite themselves to the Lord remain open for private prayer, we are also Jesus and to each other in “Spiritual permitted to have maintenance personnel Communion,” which is part of the rich history of keeping the churches clean. However, we the Church’s teachings. When the Faithful realize that this may not be possible in every cannot access the Sacraments, especially the parish for various reasons. It is up to the Body and present in the prudent judgment of the pastors to assess the , they purify their hearts and ask God particular circumstances for their parish and to allow them to be united with Him spiritually. make appropriate decisions.

Rejoice in your hope, be the National Day of Prayer, who have suffered harm or who have patient in tribulation, be and it was signed into law lost loved ones." ...... constant in by Pres. Reagan "As we unite in prayer, we are prayer." Romans 12:12 reminded that there is no burden too President Trump, heavy for God to lift or for this President Trump’s Call responding to the Corona country to bear with His help. Luke for National Day of Virus outbreak, recently 1:37, promises that 'For with God Prayer Follows Tradition declared, "It is my great nothing shall be impossible,' and of America's Founders & honor to declare Sunday, those words are just as true today as Presidents March 15th, 2020, as a National Day they have ever been. As one Nation of Prayer. We are a Country that, under God, we are greater than the America’s first official day of national throughout our history, has looked hardships we face, and through prayer was in 1775 when the to God for protection and strength in prayer and acts of compassion and Continental Congress called for the times like these ..." (1) love, we will rise to this challenge public to fast and pray for the and emerge stronger and more leadership of the Colonies. After that Referring to our history, President united than ever before. May God time, presidents periodically called Trump stated, "In our times of bless each of you, and may God bless the nation to pray during times of greatest need, Americans have the United States of war or other hardships. always turned to prayer to help America." President Trump's In 1952, Pres. Harry Truman signed guide us through trials and periods proclamation: National Day of a law that each year the president of uncertainty. As we continue to Prayer, March 15, 2020 (2) must issue a proclamation calling the face the unique challenges posed by (presidentialprayerteam.org, people to pray, but didn't designate a the coronavirus pandemic, ... we 3/14/20 (1); whitehouse.gov/ specific day. In 1988, Congress must not cease asking God for added presidential-actions (2); chose the first Thursday in May as wisdom, comfort, and strength, and gotquestions.org; today.ng,3/14/20) we must especially pray for those palms provided the ashes for this all that is given to us by the year’s . evangelists in their accounts. And, as we respond as the crowd, we are Palm Sunday is a day of great reminded that we are as guilty of contrasts. Starting with the Christ’s death as were those at the Last Sunday was the fifth Sunday of triumphant entry of Jesus into site. He died for our sins. Lent, which used to be Passion Jerusalem, we see the crowds Sunday. It marked the beginning of a welcoming Him with palms, treating As I said before, Palm Sunday is a two-week-long period known as Him as a conquering hero. Five days day of great contrasts. So, too, are , which is still observed later, the same crowds condemn we people of great contrasts. Just as by some traditionalist Catholics, Him to death. We participate in this His chosen people welcomed Him on Western Rite , and some by taking part in the longest Gospel Sunday and turned on Him on Protestant denominations. In 1960, reading of the year. Each year we Friday, so do we often when we Pope John XXIII changed the name hear a different Gospel. All of them worship him on Sunday, but fail for that Sunday to "First Sunday of take us from the Last Supper during the days that follow and the Passion” which was similar to through the betrayal by Judas, the commit sins, whether in large the name that Pope Pius XII gave five denial by St. Peter, the trial and the matters or small. So did St. Peter. But years earlier to the sixth Sunday of scourging of Jesus, His unlike Judas, Peter expressed , "Second Sunday of the Passion condemnation by Pilate at the urging remorse for his failures, and not only or Palm Sunday". This seeming of the Jewish leaders and people, was forgiven, but became the rock overlap was cleared up by Pope Paul and His ultimate death on the cross. upon which Jesus founded His VI in 1969 when he removed the While they differ slightly in details, Church. Jesus forgives. He even said reference to the Passion from the they all tell us the same story of it from the cross, as St. Luke records, fifth Sunday of Lent. Although God’s love for us. This year, year A in “Father, forgive them; for they know Passiontide as a distinct liturgical the liturgical cycle, we hear St. not what they do.” This is the critical season was thus abolished, our Matthew’s account. Next year we message of Palm Sunday. Just as liturgy continues to bring the will hear from St. Mark, then St. Luke Jesus fell three times carrying His Passion of Christ to mind, especially in 2022. In all cases, the Gospel is cross, He knows we will fall. But He beginning today, which is the sixth usually read in parts. A deacon or loves us so much that He died so we and last Sunday of Lent, Palm serves as the narrator, the could get up again. And He will Sunday, and the beginning of Holy priest reads the words spoken by always forgive us when we ask that Week, the most important week in Jesus, a second lector reads the of Him. our faith journey. words of individuals, such as St. Traditionally Palm Sunday begins Peter, as he denies with a procession and the blessing knowing Jesus, or and distribution of palm branches. Pilate, who ultimately This dates back at least to the ninth condemns Him, and we and tenth centuries. Palm branches respond as the crowd, have been used by many nations as “Crucify Him!” There symbols of joy and victory over are many reasons for enemies; for us, they are a sign of this. Clearly, it breaks victory over the flesh and the world. up the reading so one The palms we bless on Palm Sunday person is not tasked are taken home as sacramentals, to with all of it. But more inspire us to recall the events we importantly, it makes it celebrate today. Last year’s blessed come alive for us, makes it easier to hear

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