Holy Week

The days of this most sacred Week, are what all of Lent has been leading up to. On these holiest of days, we are especially invited to participate in All Liturgical Services so as to enter into the Passion, Death and Holy Resurrection of Our Lord. Our Cathedral Church will be open for the Holy Vigil beginning with three o'clock Service on Good Friday, throughout the night until the conclusion of Resurrection Matins on Holy Saturday evening. We should approach the Holy Shroud for Veneration on Bended Knee.

Reflection for today

At Christ's entry into Jerusalem, when the enthusiastic crowds came out to meet him, there was a tragic hidden misunderstanding. Christ was going to voluntary suffering, while the crowds welcomed the beginning of His reign upon earth. The people were impressed by miracles, they had been fed by loaves, they wanted power and authority extended over them.

Christ could now do everything within the limits of 'this world'', but the people who brought him adulation and honors did not bring him that which was essential - souls tempered by repentance, converted, transfigured.

In what spirit do we meet Christ? Do we expect bread from Him, miracles on the material level, and do we not ourselves continue in our previous way of life, carnal and vein? But we have more than they, we have Galoot, the Cross and the Resurrection of the Savior, and this commits is to a different way of meeting Him.

Let us then bring to Him and place His feet our contrition for the sin of our heart, our thirst for purification and for participation in the life of the age to come.

- Alexander Eichaninov

Jesus, the Subversive

They told the truth, those men who accused Jesus before Pilate. They said that they had found him subverting their nation and they had, Jesus did advocate overthrowing the existing social structures that allowed those in power to hoard wealth while those without power were hungry, sick, homeless. He did want to subvert the way power was used to keep women "in their place". He wanted to change a system that said only certain people were acceptable as table companions. No wonder those who were "making it" wanted to silence him while the stones cried out. Do you think he would get much air time today?

The Paterson Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold their Annual Communion Breakfast on Saturday, April 5 th at St. Gerard Majella Church, W. Broadway and Chamberlain Avenue. Paterson beginning with a 9:00 am Liturgy. Breakfast at the Brownstone House immediately following the Liturgy. Msgr. James Mahoney will be the guest speaker at the breakfast. Tickets are $20,00, for reservations please call Ticket Chairlady Betty Miller at 973-881-0781.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Today's Divine Liturgy Intentions

5:00 pm (Chapel) For our E.C.F. students and Teachers by Nina Kotuba
7:00 am + Ann Figel by Son, Michael
9:00 am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.

11:00 am We Pray For The Faithful of Our Parish!

The Divine Services for Holy Week

Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, March 17 & 18
Cathedral Church open from 8:00 am - 12:00 Noon for private prayer

(Please Note: There is an error on the Liturgical Schedule which you received by mail. There is NO "Morning Divine Liturgy" at 8:00 am on Holy Tuesday)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
7:00 pm Hierarchal Divine Liturgy of Presenctiful Gifts; Special Sacramental Anointing
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.

Holy Thursday, March 20, 2008
6:00 pm Hierarchal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great with Vespers
Blessing of Chrism/Ceremony of the Washing of Feet
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.

Great and Holy Friday, March 21, 2008
9:00 am Office of Matins and Reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels

3:00 pm Solemn Burial Vespers/Procession/Placing of the Holy Shroud
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D.

Please note: The Cathedral Church will be opened following the 3:00 pm. Good Service Service, during the entire night and will close following Services on Holy Saturday

Great and Holy Saturday, March 22, 2008
5:00 pm Hierarchal Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great with Vespers followed by Resurrectional Matin and Blessing of Easter Food
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D

+++Next Sunday, Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008 +++

9:00 am (Cathedral) Hierarchal Divine Liturgy / Blessing of the Paschal Food
Celebrant: The Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D

11:00 am (Chapel) Solemn Divine Liturgy / Blessing of the Pascal Food