Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we begin the holiest week of the Church calendar. On Palm Sunday, the Sacred Scriptures invite us into Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today we hear shouts of "Hosanna" as the people joyfully greet Our Lord, cheering and welcoming Him with palm branches. What an interesting way of honoring the Messiah. Notice how the King of Kings enters riding a colt. This is not because they couldn't find a fitting white stallion. Jesus intentionally offers Himself in humility to show that His kingdom is not of this world.

It is the procession of a king, the King of the Universe, but there are no trumpets, elegant garments, or signs of wealth. They cried out: "Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" This is no ordinary entry: this is the most extraordinary King. The King's "red carpet" was made of capes and palm branches. The "soldiers" were His disciples, who would soon desert Him in His hour of greatest need.

As we walk with Jesus all the way to Calvary, Our Lord invites each of us to enter this Holy Week with humility. Your willingness to follow Our Lord this week can lead you to surrender in obedience to God, which in turn, can lead to conversion and contrition for sins. The palm branches we carry today are meant to be a sign of peace and hope. The branches are also a sign that you have chosen to follow Jesus on the way. I encourage you to take your blessed palm branches home and place them behind your crucifix as a reminder that you have cheered and welcomed Jesus, our King, and followed Him to the cross.

Please pray for all the priests of our diocese on Holy Monday. On that day, we will renew our priestly vows together with our bishop in the cathedral. Also, during this Eucharist, the bishop will consecrate the oils used to anoint God's people: the oil of the sick, which brings healing and comfort to the ill; the oil of catechumens, which strengthens those preparing for baptism; and the Holy Chrism, which is used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and ordination. For those who wish to participate, the Mass will be held at Ss. Simon and Jude at 4:00pm.

On Holy Thursday, we commemorate the Institution of the Eucharist and the Ministerial Priesthood. The opportunity to go to confession will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the church until we finish. The Mass of the Lord's Supper will be at 7:00 p.m. Afterward, we will process the Blessed Sacrament to the Ramada, where we will set up an altar and remain there in adoration of Our Eucharistic King until midnight. On Good Friday, a day of penance, fasting, and reflection, we will have confessions immediately following the Lord's Passion which begins at 3:00 p.m. The collection on Good Friday supports the work of the Franciscans in the Holy Land who care for the sacred shrines, minister to parishes, provide formation and education in communities and schools, and care for the basic needs of the people in the Holy Land. Lastly, the Stations of the Cross begin at 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Holy Saturday is a day of silence and meditation as we reflect on the passion and death of Our Savior. It is also good to recall the Virgin Mary's broken heart at the loss of her Son. In the evening, we will celebrate the Easter Vigil beginning outside at 8:00 p.m. The Easter Vigil is the most important celebration of the liturgical year. It is the heart of the Church's life. I invite you to celebrate this Holy Night of the Resurrection as we welcome the newest members of our faith into the Catholic Church.

The Easter Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday, is the most solemn and important time of the liturgical year. It celebrates the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ - His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Let us keep each other in prayer as we live this Holy Week with grateful hearts for all Our Lord has done, is doing, and will do for us. May you celebrate the Easter Triduum in grace, understanding the love God has for us through His Son, Our Savior and the gift ofthe Holy Spirit always leading us to the fullness of life and love.

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline

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