Important moments

The stage has been set.  At the beginning of this liturgy, we heard Saint Luke's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Hopes were running high on that day.  All the people were welcoming the one that they believed to be the Messiah.  As the week progressed, the drama unfolded.  The Messiah had a meal with his friends, was arrested and put on trial.  Later that day, he was punished and crucified ... but the story didn't end there.  It was only on Easter morning, when the women went to the tomb and found it empty that the truth of the matter came to light.  Jesus, who had suffered and died, had risen from the dead.

In the coming week, we will gather to observe these final moments in the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth.  Please consider coming to join us.  The great liturgy of Holy Week will begin on Thursday of this week at the church of Ste-Marie at 7:30pm.  There, we will re-enact the final night of Jesus' life on earth.  We will witness the washing of feet, and we will hear the Lord's command for us do as he has done for us.  The liturgy will conclude with a procession that will lead us to the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, where there will be a period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament until 10:00pm.

On Good Friday morning, we will gather to commemorate the Lord's passion.  We will hear the details of that day when Jesus gave his life for us.  There will be two moments in the day to hear that story told.  The first will take place at Ste-Famille in Blind River beginning at 11:00am and the second will take place at 3:00pm.  The afternoon liturgy will begin at 3:00pm at Our Lady of Fatima in English and at Ste-Marie in French.

On Holy Saturday, the Church is silent as we contemplate Jesus who laid in the tomb, but as the sun begins to set, we will gather to observe the Vigil of the Lord's Resurrection.  The liturgy begins with the blessing of a new fire and the procession of light.  We will listen to biblical accounts of God's saving work in the life of his beloved people.  During the liturgy on that night, we will witness the baptism of one woman who has expressed a desire to join the Catholic faith and the Confirmation of three women who wish to make this step in their faith journey.  The celebration of the Easter Vigil will take place at the church of Our Lady of Fatima beginning at 7:30pm.

On Easter Sunday, there will be two Masses celebrated, one at 9:00am at Ste-Marie and the other at 11:30am at Ste-Famille in Blind River.  Please consider joining us for as many of these important moments as you can.