Holy Week deserves participation

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Holy Week begins this year on April 1. It's appropriate because only a fool would choose to neglect the graces of this week.

On Palm/Passion Sunday we receive both a palm and a reminder in Luke's account of the Passion what we will celebrate on Good Friday.

On Tuesday, selected representatives from each parish will participate in the annual Chrism Mass where oils used in several sacraments will be blessed for use in parishes.

Holy Thursday begins the Triduum, calling to mind the first Mass, the institution of the priesthood, and Jesus' mandate to serve others. Good Friday continues the Triduum liturgy by taking us to Calvary with Jesus, who died to free us from our sins. Easter Vigil continues the Triduum with the excitement of baptisms and the victory of life over death. The Triduum ends Sunday with the triumph of Easter.

Holy Week is a stark and glorious reminder of who we are, what we have done and, through it all, God's love for us. There's no better place to celebrate it than in church.