Lent and Easter
Pre-Lent
I am enjoying learning about Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. On the old calendar, these Sundays served “as a time of transition for the soul, which must pass from Christmas joys…to the stern penance of the sacred forty days of Lent.” (Around the Year with the Trapp Family, p. 101) Maria Trapp offers the following advice…
Read MoreSeptuagesima
Explanation of Septuagesima from our parish’s Sunday bulletin: Today marks the beginning of the season of Septuagesima. From the Latin meaning seventy the Church has traditionally used this time as a liturgical preparation for Lent, effecting a transition from the joyful sentiments of Christmas to the somber penitential season of Lent. The next three Sundays…
Read MoreRemembering Holy Saturday
On Holy Saturday morning, the children and I enjoyed our tradition of coloring Easter eggs. Patrick surprised us all by embracing our tradition with great zeal. He colored seven eggs all in various shades of green (I would not have expected my little Irish lad to choose any other color). Next year, in addition to…
Read MoreRemembering Good Friday
On Good Friday, we participated in a procession and prayer vigil for unborn babies and their mothers. “Sea Padre” organized and led the procession to Planned Parenthood in West Seattle. After the prayer vigil, we returned to Holy Family where we started the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. Photos were taken by Catherine.
Read MoreGood Friday
Stabat Mater At the cross her station keepingstood the mournful Mother weeping,close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,all His bitter anguish bearingnow at lenght the sword had passed. Oh, how sad and sore distressedwas that Mother highly blessed,of the sole-begotten One! Christ above in torment hangs,she beneath beholds the pangsof…
Read MoreDoing What is Possible
Yesterday, I was lamenting the fact that aside from our crown of thorns, our family did not observe our usual Lenten traditions this year. Our Last Supper was not displayed. Patrick and Finnian fussed most of the day. Our house was a mess. Catherine was late for her piano lesson. We ate scrambled eggs for…
Read MoreHow is the date for Easter determined?
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal or spring equinox, which is March 21. Thus, the date for Easter will always fall sometime between March 22 and April 25.
Read MoreEaster Sunday
Christ’s Resurrectionby Bernadette and Catherine
Read MoreChrist’s Resurrection
Christ’s Tomb is found EmptyAnd when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus.And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great.Mark 16:1-4Christ is Risen! Alleluia!He is not here, for he is risen, as he said.…
Read MoreGood Friday
The Crucifixionby BernadetteChrist’s Tombby Catherine (2002)
Read MoreChrist’s Death
Jesus Carries his CrossAnd after they had mocked him, they took off the cloak from him, and put on him his own garments, and led him away to crucify him.And going out, they found a man of Cyrene, named Simon: him they forced to take up his cross.Matthew 27:31-32CrucifixionAnd after they had crucified him, they…
Read MoreChrist’s Passion
Mount of OlivesThen, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”Matthew 26:30,39BetrayalThen one of the Twelve, who…
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