Today, we enter the most sacred and solemn week of our liturgical year—Holy Week. Palm Sunday begins with a scene of triumph and joy as Jesus enters Jerusalem to cries of “Hosanna!”, but it quickly leads us into the Passion narrative, where we walk with Him toward the Cross. As we hear the Gospel proclaimed this weekend, we are reminded that Jesus' kingship is unlike any other. He reigns not from a throne, but from the wood of the Cross. His crown is one of thorns, and His path to glory is paved with suffering, silence, and sacrifice. Yet from that very place of humiliation, God reveals His greatest victory: the victory of love over sin and death. Let us enter this Holy Week with humble and open hearts, ready to stay with Jesus not just in moments of celebration, but also in the garden of agony, the road of suffering, and at the foot of the Cross. Only then can we truly share in the joy of His Resurrection.
Parish Update: A Beautiful Restoration
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, I’m also grateful to share some joyful news about our parish home. Thanks to your continued support through the Second Collection for Church Maintenance, we’ve been able to beautifully restore our holy water stations and the consecration crosses located throughout the church. These sacred elements are not just decorative—they remind us of the grace and dedication that dwell within this holy place. Each time we bless ourselves with holy water or pass a consecration cross, we are grounded in the spiritual heritage of our parish and the faith we share as a family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your contributions make all the difference, allowing us to honor and maintain the sacred beauty of our spiritual home.
Holy Week at IHM
I encourage you to enter deeply into the mysteries of Holy Week by participating in the liturgies and devotions offered here at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please take a moment to read through the Holy Week schedule posted in this bulletin. From Holy Thursday’s celebration of the Last Supper, to the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, to the light of the Easter Vigil—each moment draws us closer to the heart of Christ.
Reflection Questions for the Week:
How can I walk more closely with Jesus this Holy Week—not only in the triumph of Palm Sunday but in the suffering of Good Friday?
What “hosannas” do I offer Jesus in my life, and how do I remain faithful when the Cross appears?
In what ways can I prepare my heart to fully celebrate the Resurrection?
Let us walk this Holy Week with faith, reverence, and love, knowing that the suffering of the Cross leads us to the glory of the empty tomb. May God bless you and your loved ones during these holy days. With prayer and gratitude, Fr. Matt