Holy Week at St Sharbel’s

Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to pass along the Holy Week schedule and invite you all to start thinking and planning which liturgies you will be able to attend.  I know some of you will want to come every day, and that is wonderful.  I know some of you will only be able to attend Easter.  The vast majority if you will do something in between.  If you can only come a few times, the key milestones in my mind are to begin with Palm Sunday, then during Holy Week itself to be with us for Holy Thursday (night), the Burial of Our Lord (Friday night), and Easter (vigil or Sunday morning).

When I came to the Maronites for the first time many years ago, coming to these liturgies were a kind of spiritual retreat for me.  I felt that I was walking with the Lord during the events of his Passion, so that on the Glorious Day of Resurrection, I was able to celebrate the essential mystery of the faith — Christ died and resurrected for our sins and for the salvation of all mankind.  The way we celebrate this holy time is one of the great things about our Maronite tradition, and I am looking forward to being with all of you.

Whatever you choose to do, you are most welcome with us.  I extend this invitation not only to parishioners, but also to friends of the parish.  Bring friends, bring those who you think will be uplifted!

We look forward to seeing you all.

In Christ,
Abouna Christopher

Holy Week Schedule: