From the Desk of Father Jason - March 29, 2027

Dear Saint Francis Xavier Parishioners,

We are entering the most holy time of the year, Holy Week and the Sacred Paschal Triduum.

I want to invite you to attend as many of the services as you can for the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

On Holy Thursday, April 2, we will be celebrating the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 6:30 pm. This liturgy celebrates the institution of the Holy Mass and the ordained priesthood. These are the means by which God continues to bring people of faith more deeply into relationship with Himself. The two highlights of this Mass are the washing of feet and the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose.

On Good Friday, April 3, we will celebrate the Passion of the Lord Jesus at 1 pm. This liturgy is not a Mass. We journey with the Lord, the innocent servant of God, who has taken our sins about himself as he walks the path of the Cross. Through this liturgy, we share in Jesus’ faith and love. The highlights of this service are the passion account, the solemn intercessions, the veneration of the Holy Cross, and Holy Communion.

On Holy Saturday, April 4, we will celebrate the Vigil of the Resurrection of the Lord. This Mass is celebrated at 8 pm. It is the holiest Mass of the entire year. It goes a little longer than a normal Mass. It begins with the blessing of the Easter fire and the lighting of the Easter candle. The Easter candle enters into a dark church and individual candles are lit. What follows is the great prayer, the Exsultet. At this Mass, this year, Joseph Fornes will be Baptized, Confirmed, and receive First Holy Communion. This is a very impressive Mass. If you have a choice between going to Easter Mass on Saturday or Sunday, choose Saturday.

Sincerely through Jesus,

Fr. Jason