St. Joseph the Worker

Dear Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker:

 Welcome to the HOLIEST week of our liturgical year!  Over the next days we celebrate the essence of our Catholic faith as we begin Holy Week.  As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, so we enter this special time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of the Lord’s Passion.

PALM SUNDAY

Jesus came into Jerusalem, not to be crowned an earthly king, but as a King who would sacrifice His life for His people.  Palms were strewn in front of Jesus because people thought He would be victorious over the Roman and give power back to the Hebrew people.  But Jesus rode on a donkey to be crowned as a Suffering Servant and One to give up His life for His sheep.  We receive palms to remind us of this, having those palms adorn our home in memory of Christ. 

Masses—Saturday, 4:30pm; Sunday, 8:00 & 10:30am

HOLY THURSDAY

This evening the Easter Triduum begins.  Lent officially ends with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening.  During this Mass, we remember in a special way that Jesus ordained His first priests, as well as giving us the Eucharist—His Body and His Blood for all the world and for all generations.  We wash feet during this celebration to call to mind how Jesus showed His humility and service by washing the Apostles’ feet.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper—6:30pm; Adoration until 9:50pm, closing with Night Prayer

GOOD FRIDAY

This is the only day during the year that Mass IS NOT and CANNOT BE celebrated.  The Liturgy that day has us focusing on the Way of Calvary that the Lord walked for our salvation.  We venerate a Cross in some way in thanksgiving for Jesus giving His life on a Cross in forgiveness of our sins.

The Passion of the Lord Service—3:00pm

 HOLY SATURDAY

The evening of Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil, the most solemn celebration in the liturgical year.  The Mass has four parts: First, the blessing of the fire and preparation of the Easter candle; Second, the Liturgy of the Word; Third, the Baptismal Liturgy; Fourth, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  All catechumens, those unbaptized, celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, and 1^st Eucharist during this Mass.  Our salvation history is recalled.  Jesus, the Light of the World, has conquered death and is the One who lights up our way here on earth.  And, He is the one who is Risen from the dead.

Easter Vigil Mass—7:00pm

EASTER SUNDAY

On Easter Sunday we gather to sing our ALLELUIAS that Christ has risen from the tomb.  Death could not hold Him.  He is alive forever.  What greater news could the world receive than the Savior, who died on the cross and was buried, is now risen, having broken the chains of death.  ALLELUIA!

Easter Morning Masses—8:00 & 10:30am

May we savor each and every moment of this HOLY WEEK.  May we grow in our Catholic faith by coming to these glorious and meaningful faith celebrations.  May the Lord of the Passion draw us closer to Himself over the next days.  May we respond in and with the faith given us at our baptism!

 Your Pastor, Father Joe