Dear Parishioners,

Today, I want to tell you about a service we are holding during Holy Week. We have never tried this before and some of you may not even know what it is. It’s called the Seven Last Words of Christ.

The Seven Last words refers, of course, to the seven times Our Lord Jesus spoke on the cross. They are as follows:

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

3. “Woman, behold your son! Behold your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)

6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)

Each one of these sentences have great meaning to us as Christians. On the cross, Christ won our salvation. So, what He says there directly relates to our salvation.

So, in order to help us reflect on these Seven Last Words and unpack their significance, I have invited 6 priests (and myself) to preach on each of these words. Then we will medi- tate on them with music provided by our Music Director Christa Dalmazio.

This will be a very special event full of reflection and even mourning. I hope each one of you can make it there as well as to our other events in Holy Week. We will be having this service on March 31st (the Tuesday of Holy Week) at 6 pm in church.

Even if you cannot make this service, I hope each of you has had a Holy Lent and might be able to attend one of our other liturgies that week.

God Bless!

Fr. Carter