Holy Week and Paschal Triduum

Diane Winkowski • March 24, 2024

This week we begin Holy Week.  It is the most important and meaningful week in the liturgical year.  Not just the Lenten season but the entire Liturgical Year prepares us for the celebrations of the Holy Week.  Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus made his final entrance into Jerusalem, and culminates with Easter Sunday.  As it has been a tradition at St. Martin of Tours, we will commemorate the solemn entrance of Jesus with a procession with palm branches before every Mass.  Another tradition of our parish community on Palm Sunday is the brunch.  Hopefully you will join us for a delicious breakfast with your entire family and friends.  It will be a wonderful opportunity to begin this holy time with fellowship and community support.

 

Every day of Holy Week is holy.  It is up to each of us to make it special in our personal, family, and community life.  Make an effort to be closer to God and each other during these blessed days.  As Holy Week progresses to its final days the solemnity heightens.

 

Sundown on Holy Thursday to sundown on Easter Sunday is considered the most solemn part, the pick of Holy Week. 

This three-day period is referred to as the Easter Triduum, also known as the Sacred Triduum, or Paschal Triduum. 

The name ‘Sacred Triduum’ comes from Latin words, and literally means ‘three holy days’ or rather, ‘three holy events,’ which totally changed the salvation history.  We will once again celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ during these three holy events.

 

The evening Mass on Holy Thursday begins the first event, which is the celebration of the Lord's Supper.  This is where the Church re-lives the institution of the Eucharist and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as well as the institution of priesthood. 

The Last Supper Mass is scheduled at 7pm at St. Martin of Tours.  The beautiful ceremony of "washing of the feet," which is a meaningful part of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reminds us about Jesus, who “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28).  It is an invitation to all of us to serve others.

 

The second sacred event of the Sacred Triduum is Good Friday.  The Church commemorates and celebrates the day of the Passion and death of Jesus.  There are many traditions and devotional celebrations on Good Friday.  In our parish we have the Stations of the Cross at 3pm.  This year we will have two different Stations of the Cross.  One outside around the cemetery led by our religious education youth and children, and the other inside the church led by Human Concerns.

Feel free to join either group.

 

Then, as it is in our tradition we will serve soup at 5pm prepared by different groups and individual people.

This simple bowl of soup reminds us about fasting and abstinence on Good Friday.

 

The main Good Friday liturgy is scheduled at 7pm.  We will read the Passion of Christ and Venerate the Cross. 

Hopefully each of us will have a moment to encounter the cross of Jesus during the liturgy or afterwards at the tomb of Christ in the narthex.

 

Holy Saturday used to be called Black Saturday.  ‘Black’ refers to the fact Jesus descended into hell (Apostles Creed).

Jesus enters the underworld to visit the dead, who were awaiting salvation.  Upon his entering, Jesus frees them from the chains of death (Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings, Holy Saturday).  Holy Saturday is a day of silence, emptiness without singing, and decoration in the churches.  Another beautiful tradition on Holy Saturday is the blessing of Easter baskets at 3pm.  Please bring any kind of food you will have at the Easter table for the blessing on Holy Saturday.

 

The third sacred event of the Sacred Triduum is the celebration of resurrection.  Easter Vigil will begin at 8pm with a meaningful celebration of darkness and light, fire and water, the World of God and Eucharist.  We will sing solemn Alleluia and renew our baptismal promises during our celebration of Easter Vigil.  It will be a wonderful celebration of new life, which Easter announces to the World.

 

Easter Sunday ends Sacred Triduum and begins Easter season.  Masses are scheduled as usual on Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am in English, and 12:30pm in Vietnamese.  I am grateful and encouraged by the fact, both communities of our parish, English and Vietnamese, will celebrate the Sacred Triduum liturgies together, as one Christian family.  Please join us for these most solemn celebrations of our Catholic faith.

 

Fr. Andrzej

 

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • January 4, 2026
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors, especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another. Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Feast of the Epiphany – Seeing Christ Revealed

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 29, 2025
The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates God’s great revelation: Jesus Christ is made known not only to Israel, but to all nations. Guided by a star, the Magi set out on a journey of faith, searching for the newborn King. Their pilgrimage reminds us that true faith requires trust, perseverance, and generous hearts. When they encounter the Child, they offer gifts that reveal who Christ is – our King, our God, and our Savior. A beautiful Christian legend speaks of a “fourth Wise Man” named Artaban. Like the Magi, he followed the star, longing to meet Jesus. Yet along the way, he encountered people in great need. Each time, Artaban stopped to help, using the precious gifts he had intended for the Child. Because of these acts of mercy, he never reached Bethlehem in time. Still, he continued his journey, serving the poor and searching for Christ throughout his life. Years later, Artaban finally understands the meaning of his journey. He discovers that every act of love he offered to those in need was, in fact, an encounter with Christ himself. The King he sought was present not only in Bethlehem, but in the suffering, the forgotten, and the poor. This story beautifully echoes the message of Epiphany. The Magi recognized Christ in the Child of Bethlehem; Artaban recognized him in acts of compassion. Both remind us that Christ reveals himself to those who seek him with sincere hearts. As Jesus tells us, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). The Epiphany invites us to ask: Where do we recognize Christ today? We may not see a star in the sky, but we can find him in our neighbors,especially those in need. Like the Magi, we are called to seek Christ in faith, and like Artaban, we are called to serve him in love. May this feast help us recognize Christ revealed in Word and Sacrament, and in one another.  Happy Epiphany! Fr. Andrzej

Christmas Message – The Gift of Peace

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 25, 2025
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, our hearts turn once again to the beautiful message the angels proclaimed over Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.” Peace is one of the most precious gifts Christ brings. It is more than the absence of conflict; it is the deep calm that comes from knowing God is with us. In a world that often feels restless and divided, Christmas reminds us that peace begins in the quiet of our hearts – when we welcome the Lord, trust in his love, and allow his light to guide our steps.  Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Even the smallest gesture of warmth can open a door, soften a heart, or brighten someone’s day. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of sincere attention can become a seed of peace. When we reach out to our neighbor – whether in our family, parish, or community – we allow Christ’s peace to take flesh once again in our world. May this holy season encourage us to be instruments of peace through these simple acts of love. Every effort we make, no matter how small, becomes a reflection of the peace the newborn Savior brings. Christmas Wishes Dear Parishioners, may the newborn Christ bless your homes with his gentle and lasting peace. May he calm every worry, strengthen every bond of love, and fill your days with hope and grace. May your celebrations be joyful, your gatherings warm, and your hearts open to the quiet presence of God who comes to dwell among us. May the peace of Christ – stronger than fear, deeper than sorrow, brighter than darkness – rest upon you and remain with you throughout the Christmas season and into the New Year. And may each smile and every small act of kindness you offer become a blessing that spreads his peace to others. On behalf of the Parish Staff – Merry Christmas and blessings of Peace to all!

Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

By Jenny Drzewiecki • December 14, 2025
This Sunday the Church invites us to rejoice. Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and it reminds us that Christmas is near. Even though Advent is a season of quiet preparation, today the liturgy lifts our hearts. The rose candle on the Advent wreath and the brighter liturgical mood are signs of this joy. God is close. His coming brings hope, peace, and spiritual light. The word Gaudete comes from the ancient Entrance Antiphon of the Mass for this day: “Gaudete in Domino semper” – “Rejoice in the Lord always.” It speaks of the spiritual joy that comes from complete trust in God – a joy that cannot be taken away and that brings a lasting peace of heart. Gaudete is a joyful reminder in the middle of Advent that the Lord is near, and our waiting is filled with hope, living faith, and gladness. In today’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist. He is a strong and humble messenger of Christ. John knows that his mission is not to draw attention to himself, but to point everyone toward Jesus. He prepares the way by calling people to open their hearts and turn back to God. John shows us what real readiness looks like – simple, honest, and faithful. John the Baptist can be an inspiration for each one of us. Like him, we are called to prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and in our parish community. We do this when we pray, when we forgive, when we care for someone in need, and when we bring peace into our homes. Every small act of goodness makes more room for Christ to come. As we enter this joyful Sunday, let us pause and allow God’s hope to rise within us. Let us rejoice not because everything in life is perfect, but because God is with us. He is coming to bring healing, mercy, and new beginnings.  May this Gaudete Sunday fill our hearts with the joy that only Christ can give, and may we, like John the Baptist, help others to see the Lord who is near. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4–5). Fr. Andrzej

Advent Reflection

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
As we enter the season of Advent, the Church invites us to begin again. Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year – a fresh spiritual chapter in which God offers us new opportunities for grace, renewal, and growth. Just as the calendar year gives us January to start anew, the Church gives us Advent as a sacred beginning, a time to reset our hearts and refocus our lives on what truly matters. Advent reminds us that God is always giving us opportunities to grow, to change, and to begin again.  Advent is a season of hope and quiet expectation. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to prepare. One important theme of Advent is peace – peace in our hearts, peace in our families, our parish community, and peace in the world. During these weeks, we are encouraged to look at our lives and ask where we need God’s peace. In a world often marked by noise, division, and haste, Advent calls us to become people of peace, open to God’s gentle presence and ready to bring reconciliation where it is needed. At the same time, Advent helps us to prepare for Christmas. We often get busy with shopping, cooking, and planning for the holidays. But Advent reminds us to prepare spiritually as well – to make room for Christ in our lives, to welcome him with renewed faith, and to approach the holidays with a deeper sense of gratitude and purpose. When our hearts are prepared, Christmas becomes more meaningful and joyful. May this Advent be for each of us a new beginning: a time of reflection, a season of peace, and a joyful preparation for the coming of Christ. Let us walk these weeks together as a parish family, ready to welcome the Lord who always comes to make all things new. Blessed Advent! Fr. Andrzej

Thanksgiving Message

By Jenny Drzewiecki • November 25, 2025
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