Palm Sunday (of the Lord’s Passion)
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
In many parishes, on both Palm Sunday and Good Friday, the Gospel is read in parts with participation from the congregation. While this is allowed and acceptable, it’s got no historical basis. What was done traditionally where three deacons (or extra priests) could be assembled for the Good Friday liturgy, they chanted (but never recited) the Passion Narrative in segments which roughly corresponded to the narration, the voice of Jesus, and the other first person speakers.
Then as now, getting extra clergy together on Solemn days wasn’t easy and so usually the priest or deacon chanted the Gospel by himself as he did at every Mass.
In some cases and in some places, though, a few good vocalists would get together outside of Mass accompanied by instrumentalists and sing the Gospel in a performative way. Some of the great musicians of all time composed epic accompaniments for the various Gospels. Bach’s Passion of St Matthew is considered one of the most evocative and moving pieces of music ever composed. It was used, reused, modified, and copied over and over. Other masters like Heinrich Schütz, Georg Telemann, Handel, Mendelssohn, and even moderns like Arvo Pärt, have written accompaniments for the traditional chant tones of the Gospel for one or three deacons.
The modern method of reading the Gospel in part with the priest and lay people is a very specific exception. That said, I do think it has some merit. I think there’s a lot of power in participation. But I think there’s more power in listening to a very long Gospel being read. This is something that goes back to the Jews who were instructed in the law and in faith by standing in the sun all day while the high priest chanted the books of the law to them. While we are in a culture that struggles with short attention spans, there’s something to be said for standing and listening to a story that takes a long time to hear.
As such, I have always chosen to offer people both ways of hearing the Gospel. On Palm Sunday, we listen to the Gospel read to us while we stand. On Good Friday, we read the Gospel in an interactive way which really hits home when the congregation says “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
Alas, I have never been gifted with much talent for music. I love music. I play several instruments badly. But I’ve never been any good at singing. Even chant - which is much easier than singing - rarely comes out of my mouth with much grace. And so I’ve chosen not to chant the Gospel - which is a remarkable experience! At the monastery where I studied, the monks were excellent at chant and Palm Sunday was highlighted with a spectacular and LOOONNNGG chanting of the Gospel. It easily took 15 minutes. But there’s something amazing and captivating about it. Sadly, even if the priest stinks at singing, he’s not allowed to bring in someone to do it for him unless that person is a deacon or another priest. And so I can’t offer this lovely third option.
One of the things I love most about the Passion narrative on both Palm Sunday and Good Friday is that the book specifically instructs the priest to omit the sermon or make it short. The story of the Passion of Jesus speaks for itself. It doesn’t need the priest to highlight this or that detail. The length of the telling and the intensity of the story does the work. In and of itself, that instruction says a lot.
And so this Sunday as you hear the long reading of the Passion, realize that the length is meant to be onerous and difficult. The standing is meant to become tedious.
If you come to Mass on Good Friday, realize that the hard phrases and the parts which are painful to say are good, necessary, and intentional. Those bits are meant to reinforce and challenge us toward humility and to make us ready for the imminent celebration of Easter Sunday!
Upcoming Events
Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass and Sunday from 9a until Mass
Sunday Morning Catechism in the Hall (with Coffee & Donuts) after the 9:00a Mass during the School Year unless otherwise indicated
Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Wednesday at 6p unless otherwise indicated
Apr 2 Holy Thursday - Mass 5:30p
Apr 3 Good Friday - Mandatory Day of Fasting - Not a Holy Day of Obligation - Service 5:30p
Apr 4 Holy Saturday - NO MASS AT 5:30p - Paschal Vigil 8:00p
Apr 4 Easter Egg Hunt - meet in the Hall at 10:00a - parishioners and guests welcome!
For Your Information:
HOLY WEEK and the “Paschal Triduum” are the final few days to make ready for Easter.
- Tue, Mar 31 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Alexandria - no Mass at St Edward
- Wed, Apr 1 “Spy Wednesday” - Livestreamed Mass at 9a as usual.
- Thu, Apr 2 Holy Thursday - The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at 5:30p. No earlier Mass is allowed so Mass at Legacy is cancelled.
- Fri, Apr 3 Good Friday - Obligatory Day of Fasting - No Masses are ever celebrated on Good Friday. The “Veneration of the Cross” begins at 5:30p.
- Sat, Apr 4 Holy Saturday - Final Day of Lent. Easter Egg hunt at 10a beginning from the Parish Hall. The Evening Paschal Vigil begins at 8p. No earlier Vigil Mass is allowed. 5:30p Mass is cancelled.
EASTER EGG HUNT will be held on Holy Saturday, April 4 at 10a.m. on our church grounds. Stephenie Marsh is organizing the event . Please check with her to offer your assistance. We will need lots of plastic eggs with treats or hard boiled dyed eggs so your help is appreciated.
EASTER FLOWER ENVELOPES will be available in the next week or two to offset the purchase of Easter Lillies. Donations can be made in honor of someone by indicating that intention on the envelope.
EASTER SPECIAL COLLECTION The second collection on Easter Sunday is not assessed by the diocese in order to offset various parish expenses. This collection is a great opportunity to make a donation which will be retained 100% locally. Please be prayerfully generous.
ATTENTION ST EDWARD YOUTH Mrs. Dana Hamilton has volunteered to organize several events, trips, and activities for teens from grades 6-12. She will be calling a meeting soon (probably on a Sunday). If you are interested in helping her or your children are interested in participating, please touch base with Dana or let Fr Ryan know. More info is forthcoming.
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Gail Graughnard and Mary Agnes York/P Gilfoil
- Sun 8:00a (Traditional Latin Mass) PRO POPULO for the living & deceased members of our parish
- Sun 9:30a In memory of J C B “Skipper” Jumonville/family
- Mon NO MASS
- Tue NO MASS Fr Ryan at Chrism Mass at Cathedral in Alexandria
- Wed 9:00a For healing and peace for Pat Guizerix/family
- Thu 5:30p (Holy Thursday) In memory of Father Ferre (death anni)
- Fri 5:30p (Good Friday) Good Friday services /no Mass
- Sat 8:00p (Holy Saturday) In memory of SeSe Holstead/family
- Sun 8:00a (Traditional Latin Mass) PRO POPULO for the living & deceased members of our parish
- Sun 9:30a In memory of Darryl Ellerbee, Sr. /family
**ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of **
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) | EMHC(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/28 5:30p | - | MA Gilfoil | M Rome |
| 3/29 9:30a | Cooper & Courtland | C Guizerix | - |
| Holy Thu 5:30p | Annie, Mary Katherine, Evelyn | Jamie Howingon | Cathy VanderVieren |
| Good Fri 5:30p | Courtland, Thomas Meyers | Stephenie Marsh, Kendra Collins, Michael Lancaster | - |
| Holy Sat 8:00p | Michael, Elizabeth, Daniel | MaryAnne Gilfoil Beth Sullivan, Mike Rome | Mike Rome |
| 4/5 9:30a | Annie, Thomas Meyers, Katelyn | D Hamilton | - |
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2022-23 | $ 2,500 |
| Weekly Budget FY 2025-2026 | $ 2,500 |
| February Budget | $ 10,000 |
| February Collections | $ 18,734 |
| February Expenses | $ 9,427 |
| March Budget | $ 12,500 |
| March 22 Collection | $ 3,142 |
| March to Date | $ 12,915 |
Stewardship “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” shouts the crowds in today’s Gospel. May we be always ready to share our blessings when we are sent in His name!
GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION supports the ministry in the Holy Land.
EASTER SECOND COLLECTION supports the Fund for Infirm Priests and is NOT ASSESSED by the Diocese but rather remains in our parish.
Community Celebrations
Happy Birthday to Dana Dukes (Mar 28), Teddy Oliver (Mar 28), Eva Dawson (Apr 1), Betty Smith (Apr 2), Carter Sullivan (Apr 2), Harper Bedgood (Apr 2), Walker Sullivan (April 2), Abigail Mason (Apr 6)
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
For our Pope, Leo XIV, our Bishop, Robert Marshall; and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, under full-time care and for those who care for them, and for those otherwise in need of our prayers: MaryKathryn & Nap Book, Chris, Susan, and David Cagnolatti, Connie & Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Susan & Johnny Gilfoil, Margaret & Pat Gilfoil,Terry Farlow Hall, Sidney & Mary Jane Johnson, Frances & Bill Kennedy, Ed Mills, Susie Murphy, Bobby Reynolds, Phillip and Peggy Scurria, Mike & Sue Rome, Lori Sullivan
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Marie Farlow Bellard, Martha Book, Kay Boolos (S Gilfoil), Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Gayle Brown (Dukes and Oliver), Albert Christman, Jeannie & Donald Collins, Jami Cook (Wilks), Craig Cox, Gene Cox, Carol Dipert (Rome), Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Judy Fortenberry, Donna Fulton (Ellerbee), Fred and Cathy Fulton, Morgan, Alex, and Palmer Gilfoil, Thom Gilfoil, Wyly Gilfoil (Gilfoil), LaVonne Givens, Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), Patricia Lively (Wilks), Charles Howington, Callie Halbach Hyams, Jimmy Hopson(Wilks), Will Irby (P Gilfoil), Diane Johnson, Carla Leese (S Gilfoil), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Kiely McKellar (S Gilfoil), Boyce Miller, Mike Morelli, Cole Norris, Randy Parker, Betty Petersen, David Peterson, Quintin Purvis, John Neill, Curt and Brianne Rome, Bailey, Scott, and Tiffney Rome, Debbie Kedrick Sims, LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Randy Watts, Jr.
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, Henry Ellerbee, Lilly Falgout, Jag Gilfoil, Matilda Johnson, Caroline Marsh, EmmyLu Marsh, Charlize Richardson, Chandler Wood
