It is Sunday afternoon after a wonderfully long and exhausting week. There is nobody in the parish offices right now, the hall is empty, nothing going on in the church, and no meetings taking place. The crowd from the Mass and reception with the Archbishop has all gone home. The peace and quiet feels pretty amazing! It was a beautiful day today. The Archbishop’s visit, the Mass, and the reception were all a real time of grace. What a real joy it was to all worship at Mass together and to enjoy such a fun reception. I know many of you spoke to me about how beautiful the Mass and the reception were. In your name and in my own name, I thank the people who are actually responsible for that. The Choir and musicians, the servers, readers, ushers, and clergy all did a great job. I also thank those who worked so hard in providing such a wonderful reception. It was such a great time. Holy Week–which we begin today–is always an exhausting time for those who work at a parish, but this year, I realize that we have been running on high gear long before Holy Week began. There has been so much happening that it is hard some days to remember what day it is and what comes next. The parish staff has been absolutely amazing. They are just so good. They really pour themselves out for all of you. I know you all know this, but they really go way above and beyond for the sake of this parish. They never stop. The many good things that we are able to do as a parish are possible because they are selfless. We are very blessed. They are the best. Speaking of Holy Week . . . and so it begins. This week is the high point of the Liturgical Year. These are the most solemn days of our Catholic life. Please see the schedule of Masses and Services this week. Basically we should all do our very best to be here on Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday. The Sacred Triduum is in a league all its own in terms of beauty. Don’t deprive yourself of it. Live it as completely as possible. You won’t regret it! Last Sunday I mentioned at my Mass that when Jesus told them to take away the stone from the tomb, Martha tried to prevent it by quite practically mentioning that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already (and it was hot) so, “There will be a stench.” That certainly was true. But, Jesus came precisely in order to enter into the stench of people’s lives. I mentioned that perhaps someone at that Mass had something in their life that they have buried away, afraid to ever confess it because they were ashamed of the stench of that sin. But, burying it only increases the rot. In confession, we roll away the stone of the tomb and allow the Lord to call us into new life. Jesus wants us to roll away the stone so that we can be set free. His mercy is for everyone. Lazarus was dead for four days and the stench must have been overwhelming, but Jesus is unafraid. He only shows mercy. He forgives. He sets free. After Mass, numerous people confided to me that they might be the person I was speaking to. Good! We are all tempted to bury our sins out of sight and seal them away in a tomb to rot. So, my reason for sharing this again is simply to say to anyone else who has “that thing” buried away that rots away at you, go to confession before Easter. Jesus is not afraid of the stench of our sins. Jesus loves you and wants you to be free. He only brings mercy. He only brings goodness. He only brings life. I look forward to living these beautiful (and exhausting!) days with all of you. Fraternally in Christ, Fr. David Barnes