Around the Parish – March 29, 2026
From Hosanna to the Cross
Today we enter into the most sacred week of the year. Palm Sunday begins with joy, with celebration, with shouts of “Hosanna!” as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The people lay down palms and cloaks, welcoming Him as a king.
And yet, within minutes, the tone of the Mass shifts dramatically.
We move from triumph to suffering. From praise to rejection. From “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!”
Palm Sunday places before us a powerful and uncomfortable truth. The same crowd that welcomed Jesus would soon turn against Him. The same voices that praised Him would later condemn Him.
It is easy to look at that crowd and wonder how such a thing could happen. How could they change so quickly? How could they fail to recognize who stood before them?
But Palm Sunday is not just about them. It is about us.
How often do we welcome Christ when it is convenient, when it fits our expectations, when it brings us comfort? And how often do we turn away when following Him becomes difficult, when His teachings challenge us, or when the Cross appears in our lives?
Palm Sunday invites us to examine our own hearts.
Are we faithful only in moments of joy, or are we willing to walk with Christ even to Calvary? Do we follow Him only when it is easy, or do we remain with Him when the road becomes difficult?
The beauty of this day is that it does not end with failure. Even though the crowd turns, even though the disciples scatter, Jesus remains faithful. He continues forward. He embraces the Cross freely, out of love for us.
This is the beginning of Holy Week. It is not just a series of events to remember. It is a journey to enter.
We are invited to walk with Christ through these sacred days:
- to sit with Him at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday
- to stand at the foot of the Cross on Good Friday
- to wait in hope at the tomb on Holy Saturday
- and ultimately, to rejoice in the victory of Easter.
Do not let this week pass like any other.
Make time for prayer. Attend the liturgies of the Triduum. Enter into the mystery. Allow the Lord to draw you deeper into His love.
This week has the power to change us, if we allow it.
Let us not remain at a distance. Let us not be part of the crowd that comes and goes. Instead, let us be disciples who stay, who walk with Christ, and who trust that beyond the Cross lies the glory of the Resurrection.
Hosanna in the highest.
Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Andy
The Power and Tradition of Mass Intentions
The Mass is considered the greatest prayer of intercession in the Church. This is because it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father, making present the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Traditionally, a Priest may be requested to offer a Mass for a specific intention, even if the requester cannot be physically present.
Offering Masses for the Deceased:
Having a Mass offered for a deceased person is an ancient and commendable practice. A Mass is offered to pray for the departed, that they may find peace in heaven. Since each Mass holds infinite value, requesting one or several Masses is of tremendous benefit to the person prayed for, as well as their family, who can take comfort in knowing that their intention is united with the prayers of the Church.
The Mass: Center of Christian Life:
Every Mass is a precious gift from God. It is the center of the Church’s life, known as “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because in the celebration of the Mass, we are brought back to Jesus’ Last Supper, the first Mass. We consciously recall the love of God poured out for us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ. At each Mass, all the intentions of God’s people, both living and deceased, are included. As Pope Paul VI noted in his motu proprio “Firma in Traditione,” the faithful, moved by an ecclesial and religious sense, join their own sacrifices to the Eucharistic sacrifice, participating more intensely and supporting the Church’s needs, especially its ministers.
Requesting a Mass Intention:
Anyone may request a Mass Intention for a living person, a deceased person, members of a family, or a special intention appropriate to the celebration of the Eucharist, such as World Peace, Vocations, or Respect for Life. The Church allows only one intention per Mass.
Offering a Mass Stipend:
The normal stipend offering for a Mass is $10. However, a Mass Offering can be more or less than the suggested amount, depending on the financial position of the person requesting the Mass. Envelopes for Mass intention requests are available at the entrances of the church. These envelopes can be placed in the collection basket or returned to the parish office. The requester may also ask for a card to be sent to notify someone that a Mass Intention has been requested (one card per intention). Please note that the name of the person(s) requesting the Mass is not announced.
