Well here it is Passion/Palm Sunday and there is talk of snow tonight! I judge the success of each year on whether or not it snows on Christmas and Easter. In a good year, both will be sunny, and Easter will be filled with blooming forsythia. In a bad year, it snows on one or the other and on the year of the last judgment, I am told it will snow on both! (just kidding).
The Triduum is always wonderful here at St. Jerome. This year will be no different except that after great stability for over 20 years there will be a change in the priests. Fr. Joe will not be with us this Triduum, but he will be here for his party on April 3rd at the 11am Mass. New to us this year are our own Fr. Rojin, and Fr. Gilbert, the retired pastor of St Joseph parish in South Norwalk. They are both wonderful additions to the rectory and to the parish, though Fr. Gilbert will be leaving on June 1st. As always, Fr. Mike will be here for the Triduum and so we have a happy house with much cause for celebration. Imagine a rectory with four priests, it is just like the old days. (Don’t let other parishes know- there may be raids!)
As Easter approaches remember that it does not end on Sunday March 27th. Easter continues for fifty days and is followed by the Octave where we get to hear many of the key Resurrection stories. What they share in common is the experience of not immediately recognizing the glorified body of the Risen Jesus. He is the same, the crucifixion wounds are there, yet he is different. When they do finally encounter and know the Risen Jesus, he reassures them, feeds them, uplifts them and gives them the great gift of the Holy Spirit who then transforms them. It is their first faith that is the foundation of ours. As I often say at daily Mass on the feast day of Apostles, think of those in your life who passed the Faith to you. In your mind and imagination, spend time with those ancestors and thank them for the great gift of your Faith. I hear people say so often, how can people without that gift survive when life turns on them?
Finally a great cause for joy this Easter is the Baptism of our R.C.I.A Elect: James Hill, Nicki Beliveau, and Mitchell Cooper as well as the reception into the Church of Gary Innes. We are blessed to have them in our number, and I hope you will come to know these fine young men in the days ahead. Meanwhile, have a joyous Easter season and know the parish and all of you are in the prayers of the priests of St. Jerome.
