Schedule for March 27-28, 2021
Saturday, March 27
- 7:00 am Cathedral Open for Private Prayer and Devotion
- 8:00 am Mass - Mass will also be livestreamed
- 3:00 pm Rosary – Live-Stream
- 3:30 - 4:30 pm Holy Hour - concluding with Evening Prayer and Benediction
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Confessions
- 5:00 pm Mass
- 6:00 pm Cathedral Closes
Sunday - Palm Sunday of the Passion of The Lord
- 7:00 am Cathedral Open for Private Prayer and Devotion
- 8:00 am Mass - will also be livestreamed
- 9:00 am - 9:50 am Confessions
- 10:00 am Mass - will also be livestreamed with Archbishop Rozanski as celebrant. Note: This Mass will also be broadcast live by local NBC affiliate, KSDK Channel 5. Due to time constraints, the traditional blessing of palm will occur prior to Mass, at approximately 9:50 am, followed by the entrance procession. The Cathedral's livestream will begin at 9:45 am and will include the blessing of palm and full procession. The televised broadcast on Channel 5, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 am, will not.
- 11:00 am - 11:50 am Confessions
- 12:00 Noon Mass
- 5:00 pm Mass
- 6:00 pm Cathedral Closes
Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we enter into our celebration of Holy Week. While we have been experiencing increasing numbers, I realize that many may still not feel comfortable in attending Mass in person. Thus, I invite you to join us via our Live-Stream to take part in our Holy Week and Easter liturgies.
On Palm Sunday, we go up the mountain with Jesus towards the Temple, accompanying Him on His ascent. The procession which normally takes place before the Mass is meant, then, to be an image of something deeper: to reflect the fact that, together with Jesus, we are setting out on a pilgrimage along the high road that leads to the living God. This is the ascent that matters. This is the journey which Jesus invites us to make as we enter Holy Week. Through the various liturgies of this coming week, we are invited to enter more deeply into the paschal mystery of our savior’s suffering, death, and resurrection.
On Holy Thursday morning, the priests of the Archdiocese gather for the annual celebration of the Chrism Mass. In the Chrism Mass, the holy oils are at the center of the liturgical action. They are consecrated in the bishop’s cathedral for the whole year. They thus serve also as an expression of the Church’s unity, guaranteed by the episcopate, and they point to Christ, the true ‘shepherd and guardian’ of our souls. Another dimension to this Mass is how in the biblical narrative of Holy Week Jesus visits his friends at Bethany and Mary anoints him with precious oil, preparing him for his burial. In this way, the Chrism Mass points to what will happen later in the week.
On Holy Thursday evening, at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we recall that moment when Jesus began the celebration of His final meal with His disciples and instituted the Holy Eucharist. The words Jesus spoke to his disciples: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you,” remind us that Jesus desires to share Himself with us and to be one with us.
On Good Friday we are taken to the mount of Calvary. "Christus factus est pro nobis oboediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis." - "For us Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross." Through Christ’s death on the cross, He opens for us the way to salvation and eternal life. The Cross of Christ, which we will venerate on Good Friday, is the cause of hope and reminds us constantly of God’s love for us.
Our celebration of Holy Week comes to an end on Holy Saturday evening. The story of our salvation history is recalled for us through the readings at the vigil and culminates in the proclamation of the account of the resurrection. In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil. Love made Christ descend, and love is also the power by which He ascends.
Monsignor Henry Breier
This Weekend's Pulpit Announcements
With today’s celebration of Palm Sunday, we mark the beginning of Holy Week. A detailed schedule of services and confession times for Holy Week and Easter may be found in your bulletins.
Funds collected during the Lenten season for Operation Rice Bowl may be placed in the collection basket during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, or at any Mass on Easter Sunday. Please see your bulletins for details.
Please visit the All Saints Chapel after Mass for a mini Sacred Art Retreat. Our featured painting this week by local artist Evelyn Astegno, depicts the last glance of Jesus from the cross, and challenges us to view Jesus’ crucifixion as the highest manifestation of love. All are invited to view and reflect upon Astegno’s painting, receive this glance of love from the Lord Jesus, and know that His love is for us all.
Public Service Announcement
Wearing of Masks
Just a quick reminder that masks are to be worn at all times while in the Cathedral Basilica (except for the reception of Holy Communion). It is important that the mask covers both your nose and your mouth to prevent the spread of a virus.