Letter from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

Today begins the last week of our Lenten journey to Easter. This week is the most solemn week in the Christian tradition. Lent ends as the Mass of the Lord’s last supper begins on Holy Thursday. Through the Blessing of Palms, the story of the triumphal entry, a procession and the celebration of the Eucharist we are swept into the mystery of Holy Week.

Our Mass today is unique, in that, it is the only Mass that there are two proclamations of the Gospel during the same liturgy. The first takes place at the beginning of the Mass and is from the evangelist of the particular year. This is the year of Matthew. The second reading of the Gospel will be the Passion of The Lord from the Gospel of Matthew.

Our Gospel today contains four verses that are only in the Passion of Matthew. Judas’s direct questioning of Jesus as to whether he is the one who betrays Jesus. The second is, Jesus warning that those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.

The third verse notes Judas’s death by suicide. The fourth verse is of Pilot’s wife’s dream and Pilot’s washing of his hands.

Along with today’s Liturgy, we receive Blessed Palm that we may carry from Church to our homes. This allows us to have a symbol which represents Jesus triumphant arrival in Jerusalem only to give his life by the end of the week to open the Gate of Heaven for all humankind. Next year, we will collect these palms and burn them to create the ashes we will use on Ash Wednesday to begin a new Lenten journey. God Bless you this wonderful Holy Week.

Father Joe
           

     4:45 P.M.
     Evening Prayer/Benediction/Closing

Please join this powerhouse of prayer to the Lord.  We need additional members in the early hours of the afternoon.

Chrism Mass at the Cathedral,
Tuesday, March 18, 2008, Bishop Cote invites every Catholic in the Diocese of Norwich to the Annual Mass of Chrism in the Cathedral in Norwich at 10:30 a.m. The oils to be used in our parish during the year for the administration of the sacraments, and in every parish, will be blessed. This is truly a diocesan wide celebration where members from every parish are present. Come and Celebrate! Approximately, 120 priests will concelebrate.

SWIENCONKA
At 12:00 noon on Holy Saturday, we shall have the special blessing of food in preparation for Easter here in Church.

 RICE BOWL RETURNS

There are containers in the rear of the Church to collect your Rice Bowl offering boxes. This is the annual Lenten Almsgiving offering and it goes to feed the hungry.  We shall send the returns to the diocesan office for distribution to Catholic Relief Services.

Are you interested in becoming a Lay Minister at OLPH?  We are currently looking for additional Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors, especially for 8 a.m. Mass on weekends.  As a result of normal attrition, 2007 saw a decline in the active list of ministers.  If you or someone you know might be interested, please telephone Father Whittel at 443-1875.  This is a wonderful way to serve Our Lord and OLPH parish. 

See Posters on Bulletin Board regarding the following:
*Palm Sunday Concert “Songs of the Cross” – Sunday, March 16, 7:30 PM at Cathedral of St. Patrick, Norwich with Norwich Diocesan Choir.

*Position now available – The Diocese of Norwich seeks a full time Director of St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich.

Outside the Parish
Easter Sunday Brunch at Immaculata, Willimantic.  After celebrating Easter Sunday Mass at OLPH on March 23, 2008, enjoy a grand buffet at Immaculata Retreat House in their dining room prepared by their own chef Steve.  2 Seatings available by reservation:  11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.  Donations:  Adults $15.00  Children 12 & under $7.00.  Children under 6 – FREE.  For reservations call 860-423-8484.

Spring Polka Dance to Benefit St. Joseph School in Norwich will be held Saturday, April 19th  at Moose Hall in Bozrah.  Doors open at 4 p.m.  Polish dinner buffet with homemade desserts and coffee from 4:30 till 10 p.m.  Dancing to Dennis Polisky & Maestro’s Men.  $25.00 per person.  For info and tickets call Terry at 908-0774.

Announced Masses

Monday, March 17th       Monday of Holy Week
7:30 A.M. Bishop Daniel Hart
Tuesday, March 18th       Tuesday of Holy Week
7:30 A.M.  Philip B. & Frances E. Pasquale  (Estate)
10:30 a.m. Chrism at the Cathedral
Wednesday, March 19th    Wednesday of Holy Week
7:30 A.M. Parishioners of OLPH

HOLY THURSDAY    March 20th
             6:30 P.M.     Mass of the Lord’s Supper
      Washing of the feet, Procession to Repository  
     Adoration in Church until 11:00 P.M.

GOOD FRIDAY   March 21st
Visit the Holy Sepulchre Shrine between 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
3:00 P.M. Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion
             6:30 P.M.   Stations of the Cross
                                 followed by Confessions