The beauty that lies before us

At the Mass we had for the celebration of St. Joseph’s Feast Day, many people who attended commented on the beauty of the Mass itself, the music (which included members from each parish) and having all four priests present. And they are right, it was absolutely beautiful and moving.

First, thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the evening to celebrate the patron of our Family of Parishes. But I think it also showed just a bit of the gift that Beacons of Light can be. In what context would we ever have had such an experience except in Beacons of Light? We had people from different parishes singing in the same choir, we had four priests at the same Mass, and we had people from different parishes worshiping together. While this can happen in other contexts, I do think this could be a particular gift of Beacons. People saw beyond their own parishes, and the Lord showed us something good and gave us abundant graces. “We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)

The Lord has so much in store for us, and He wants to work good in our midst. Thank you to all who place your trust in His help and providential care. Your love and care for Him and for one another continues to humble me and at the same time paradoxically make me a proud spiritual father.

Please note that as we celebrate Palm Sunday today, this week is Holy Week: the height of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year! So please check the bulletin for a full Holy Week liturgy and Confession schedule. On Tuesday of Holy Week in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, we always celebrate the Chrism Mass on Tuesday afternoon. Because this Mass is seen as a primary symbol of a priest’s unity with his bishop, we will not have Tuesday evening Mass at St. Michael. Instead, Mass will be at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday and we will have Confessions right after Mass. For the same reason, we will not have evening Confessions at Holy Angels or St. Michael on Tuesday, April 4. But we will still have Adoration at Holy Angels and Stations at St. Michael’s at 6:00 p.m. on that day. We have many other times available throughout Holy Week so you will still have a bounty of options to make it to Confession that week. Thank you for your understanding, and please pray for the priests of our Archdiocese.

As we journey through Holy Week, draw close to our Lord in the midst of His suffering and death. By doing so you will come to experience on a more profound level the bright radiance of His Resurrection. A Resurrection which saves us from death and promises those who are faithful to Him a glorious share in His eternal reward.

Please note that Mass on Easter Monday at both Sacred Heart and Ss. Peter and Paul will be at 9:00 a.m. Due to the long and draining nature of Holy Week, this will give our priests an opportunity to get some extra rest on Monday morning.

Thank you to all the many people who help with Holy Week. Whether you participate in a role in the liturgies, or contribute musically, decorate, or rearrange the sanctuary, or any other way you help out and participate, I am grateful and I know the Lord smiles upon you, as well.

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jarred Kohn