HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Rev. Patrick Hirtz

APRIL Month of the Holy Eucharist

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

–Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Mission Statement

Holy Angels is a Catholic community of faith joining past, present, and future members on a journey with Christ to the Father. Through worship, stewardship, evangelization, and works of charity, we strive to more perfectly image God, who is love.

Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Sunday: 8:00am; 10:45am & Spanish Mass at 1:00pm

Daily Mass: M, W, F at 12 noon; Th at 9:00am First Saturday ONLY is at 8:00am

(Holydays & Holidays: See special announcement in bulletin) CONFESSION - Saturday: 4:00-4:30pm;

Sunday: between Masses or by appointment

April 5, 2020 — Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A)

Holy Angels Catholic Church 535 Tucker Street Dyersburg, TN 38024-3873 Parish Office Phone: (731) 287-8000 Parish Email: hachurch@cableone.net

www.holyangelscc.com

Pastor Rev. Patrick Hirtz Email: revhirtz@cableone.net

Finance Mary Alyce Fiechtl

Administrative Assistant Cathi Cychol Shea Email: ccshea@cableone.net

Music Director Sarah Jean

Nursery Therese Cohen

Maintenance Richard Spence

Parish Religious Education (PRE) Carrie Beld, Director (cell: 731-882-9151) Email: nanacbeld@yahoo.com Office Hours: Sunday 8:45-10:45am

Youth Group Minister Deborah McCallen (cell: 731-297-6197) Assistants: Tanya Larraga & Billy Bona Wednesday Evenings 6:00-8:00pm

NEW OFFICE HOURS as of 8/1/19

M – F 9:00am – 4:00pm (Closed 12:30 – 1:30pm for lunch)

We welcome any visitors, including those who may not be of our Catholic faith. We pray that our celebration of the sacred liturgy today was a meaningful one for you. If you are a new member in the parish, complete a census form and return it to the church office. Census forms can be found in the foyer. To date we have 251 families and 721 parishioners.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A) April 4/5, 2020

APRIL -- Month of the Holy Eucharist

FIRST READING (Is 50:4-7) One of the four so-called “suffering Servant Songs” of Isaiah (we will have the others in the course of the week) depicting a prophet who willingly submits to shame and disgrace in carrying out his ministry with God’s help. In the context of today’s liturgy, Isaiah’s words point to Jesus, the suffering prophet from Galilee. Throughout his ministry, Jesus’s words were meant to rouse and give hope to a weary people. Faithfully, he listened to the Father in prayer. Faithfully he carried out his mission. Hear how Isaiah’s words about the prophet’s sufferings are echoed in Matthew’s account of Jesus’s Passion.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24) The words of today’s antiphon are placed on the lips of the crucified Jesus in Matthew’s account of the Passion. Did Jesus feel abandoned by God? The psalm is a prayer of lament uttered in the depths of great distress. Note how the psalmist’s descriptions of his suffering are echoed in the Gospel account of Jesus’s Passion and Death. Note the confident change of tone in the last stanza of the psalm. The psalmist had moved—or been carried—through his suffering into a new stance in life. So, too, was Jesus. So, too, can we be.

SECOND READING (Phil 2:6-11) Paul offers a Christological reflection. In the first part he describes the divine-human nature of Jesus. Although Jesus was “in the form of God” he took on the human form of a slave; he “humbled himself” and became obedient “to the point of death.” This Jesus did willingly, surrendering to the will of the Father. The action of God is described in the second part of the text. Jesus is exalted and his name placed above every other name; every tongue, every knee will honor him.

GOSPEL (Matt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54) This year on Palm Sunday we hear Matthew’s account of Jesus’s suffering and Death. Matthew’s Passion narrative is a series of events that unfold in several locations. Matthew follows Mark’s account closely while at the same time incorporating information from his own sources, such as Judas’s remorse and suicide, the dream of Pilate’s wife about Jesus, Pilate’s assertion of his own innocence with regard to Jesus’ Death and the placement of a guard of soldiers at Jesus’s tomb in order to prevent his body from being stolen and his Resurrection asserted. The Gospel reader knows what the authorities did not know; even these measures would not contain the plan of God. As Jesus and his disciples move from one situation to the next, it becomes obvious that Jesus is in charge of the events, surrendering to the outcome of the actions of others. He is not a victim but a servant choosing to do the will of the Father. This supreme expression of love, for the Father, for his followers and for us is the heart of this narrative. As in Mark, all takes place at Passover, the annual commemoration of the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. As Jesus celebrates this feast with his disciples, he will undergo his own Passover from Death to Life. He will be “handed over” (note how often the verb occurs) by one from his own circle of disciples as well as by the religious leaders of his people. And in a very real sense, he likewise hands himself over to the Father: “…your will be done”. The sufferings of his Passion are not only physical. In addition to the betrayal just mentioned, “all” of his disciples abandon him and flee at the moment of his arrest. He is denied by Peter, the very one whom he had earlier made the head of his Church, the community of his followers. How would Jesus have felt in the experience of betrayal and abandonment by his closest friends at this time? On the other hand, in contrast to Jesus’ male disciples who betrayed, denied and abandoned him, there are the “many” (the use of the word here is unique to Matthew) women disciples who had “followed” Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the unnamed mother of the sons of Zebedee. They are present at Jesus’s burial and Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” remained there, sitting facing the tomb. It is these two who come to the tomb on the morning of the day after the Sabbath. Their actions have much to say about discipleship and the fidelity and fears of disciples—of those who were contemporaries of Jesus as well as ourselves today. Matthew depicts Jesus’ Death (and Resurrection) as “earth-shaking” events. The earthquake signaled the inauguration of the end time as does the Resurrection of the dead. The earthquake was also associated with manifestations of the presence of God in the Old Testament and it is this that prompts the centurion and his companions to acclaim: “Truly, this was the Son of God”.

REFLECTION The essence of everything we are and believe in is shared at length today. A feast has to first be seen in its entirety, with the awestruck sense of all it holds seen in the heart, before the small bites can be taken, tasted and understood. The bite-size pieces of sustenance come as we will live the Last Supper, walk the Stations on Good Friday and watch Jesus crucified. Until those known moments, listen deeply to where you need to “sit” in the story; open your eyes to how you need to grow and which character you might be and wait in trust that all can be given to God and made new.

Readings: HOLY WEEK Su 4/5 Matt 21:1-11 • Is 50:4-7 • Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 •

Philip 2:6-11 • Matt 26:14—27:66 M 4/6 Is 42:1-7 • Ps 27:1-3, 13-14 • John 12:1-11 Tu 4/7 Is 49:1-6 • Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17 • John 13:21-33, 36-38 W 4/8 Is 50:4-9 •Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 • Matt

26:14-25 Th 4/9 Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 • Ps 116:12-13, 15-18, • 1 Cor

11:23-26 • John 13:1-15 F 4/10 Is 52:13—53:12 • Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 •

Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9 • John 18:1—19:42 Sa 4/11 Gen 1:1—2:2 • Ex 14:15—15:1 • Ex 15:1-6, 17-18

• Rom 6:3-11 • Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 • Matt 28:1-10

Funerals When planning a funeral for a loved one, please call the pastor before making any arrangements with the funeral home regarding the date and time of visitation, the funeral Mass or service at the funeral home.

Hospitality Committee Holy Angels will provide a funeral luncheon if the family of the deceased requests one. The Hospitality Committee consists of several women from the parish who volunteer to host the luncheons. Someone from the committee will be calling on you for food and help when the need arises.

Pope Francis’ Monthly Prayer Intention Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. Only one intention is offered per month, whether universal or related to evangelization.

APRIL Freedom from Addiction

We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.

His Holiness Pope Francis — Prayer to Protect the World

O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’

pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Faithful, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that,

as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings

and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial,

but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

FOOD DRIVE for Matthew 25:40 Help us fill Matthew’s Food Pantry!!! Place donations in the grocery buggy

located in the foyer. SHARE WHAT YOU CAN

Anniversaries Apr 5th – 11th None this week

Birthdays Apr 5th – 11th 4/5 Abbey Alley, Maria Bocanegra, Rome Chambers, Elizabeth Hurt 4/6 Jesus Benitez Ayala, Celso Gonzalez, Sr. 4/8 Nicolas Bañuelos Beltran, Terry Piskorski 4/7 Evelyn Garcia, Maritza Hernandez 4/9 Everado Luna, Demetrio Salinas 4/10 Justin Lee 4/11 Jonathan Alley, Christopher Ebelhar, Rick McCoy

Nursery The nursery is located in the classroom next to the kitchen in the parish hall. The nursery is open to children birth to 4 years.

Notify the Parish of Seriously Ill Family Member

If a family member has been admitted to the hospital or is ill at home, please let us know by contacting Cathi Shea in the parish office.

Bulletin Announcement Deadline Items must be received by Monday at 12 noon. Please submit all items to ccshea@cableone.net

ALL MEETINGS & SCHEDULED EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The staff of Holy Angels wishes all of you a very special Holy Week

MASS INTENTIONS: Week of Apr 5th – Apr 11th HOLY WEEK Bishop David P. Talley wants to assure you that each priest in our Diocese will be

privately celebrating Mass (without a congregation) for your intentions.

4/5 Su 8:00am 10:45am 1:00pm

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord For the family unit, may it be restored by Ronald Szewczyk People of Holy Angels, living and deceased Spanish Mass –

4/6 M 12 Noon 4/8 W 12 Noon 4/9 Th

6:00pm Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper For all priests serving in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis

4/10 F 6:00pm

Good Friday – Passion of the Lord NO Mass Intention on Good Friday

4/11 Sa 8:00pm

Easter Vigil For our Catechumens and Candidates entering the Church

SACRAMENTS Baptism - A preparation class is required of the parents requesting Baptism for their first child. Parents and godparents are encouraged to attend the class before the baby’s birth. Confirmation - is celebrated with students who are at least in the 8th grade and have completed the requirements for the preparation process in our PRE program. Matrimony - Couples planning to marry should contact the Pastor at least 6 months prior to the proposed date so all parish and diocesan requirements may be completed. Holy Orders - If you feel called to a vocation in the priesthood or religious life, please contact the pastor. Anointing of the Sick - If you wish to receive this sacrament, contact the pastor. If there is an emergency situation, an immediate family member should contact the pastor.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ our Risen Lord! As we prepare for the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, even through this time of isolation, let us pray for peace and strength in our hearts and our homes. As a sign of our unity with the Risen Lord and the Easter Vigil Mass, I will be blessing the Paschal Candle and the Paschal Blessing of Baptismal Water. During the Easter Vigil, the active participation of the faithful are witnessed and I want you to be part of this Paschal Grace and Blessing. The Light of Christ — The flame of the Paschal Candle is shared and passed as candles are lit by the faithful as a sign of Christ dwelling within our hearts. I will have a votive candle for each family to take home and light for a sign of our unity with the Light of Christ in us and in our homes. The Paschal Blessing of Baptismal Water — In the prayer of water during the Easter Vigil, the history of salvation is remembered and the Paschal Candle unlocks for us the Graces of Baptism; the forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Christ. After the blessing of water and baptisms, all of us remember and profess our promises made at Baptism. We then are blessed with this Holy Water as we recall our own baptisms. I will also have a small bottle of water blessed during the Paschal Blessing at the Vigil. One bottle per family or home. May we share our sign as a Child of God through our baptism and reception of the Eternal Light which leads us to our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. WE will and are united to Christ today through the Holy Spirit. -- Fr Patrick Hirtz

The Catholic Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee encourages all victims, or parents of

minors who are victims of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or diocesan employee or

agent, to report such abuse by phoning any of the following numbers:

Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline 1-877-237-0004

Victim Assistance Coordinator 901-652-4066

Dir. of Child and Youth Protection 901-359-2027

All reports will be treated in a confidential manner. The Diocese of Memphis offers a

program of psychological and spiritual assistance to abused victims in need.

(2/14/2019)

FORMED – To sign up FREE of charge as a parishioner of Holy Angels Church, go to www.holyangelscc.formed.org, click on the “REGISTER NOW” button and establish an account. After doing so, you’ll have access to a wealth of material to grow in your faith. Please take advantage of this opportunity to benefit yourselves and others.

Collection Report for 3/29/2020

Reg Collection

Online donations 3/22/20 3/29/20

$480.00 $735.00

Children’s Envelopes Total Reg Collection 4/2/20 $8,267.28 Budget $3,516.00 Reg Disbursements B/M Collection B/M Disbursements 4/2/20 $162.47

2nd Collections for APRIL 4/5 Building Maintenance 4/12 Easter Envelope 4/26 Catholic Home Missions

Special Collections for APRIL 4/10 Good Friday Envelope for the Holy Land 4/12 Seminarian Education 4/26 Mother’s Day Remembrance Envelope

You can drop-off or mail your weekly collection checks to the parish office; there is a secure mailbox outside at

the office door. Thank You

HOLY WEEK

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Branches of palm, olive, or sometimes even budding willow are ancient symbols of victory and hope, as well as of new life. The procession celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem overflowed with praise and excitement, as onlookers waved these triumphant branches and proclaimed their blessings. Yet, in a few days, they will cry “Crucify him!” The crowd’s change of heart illustrates the problem of holding God to our expectations. The crowd expected a liberating leader, the Messiah, to free them from Roman oppression. Jesus instead takes up his Cross and invites us to do the same. Through his Death and Resurrection he is indeed a liberator, but from death and sin, not from Rome. But unable to see past their need, the crowd’s disappointment turns into anger and a death order. As we enter Holy Week, Palm Sunday teaches us to let God be God and to trust in God’s wisdom not only to meet but shatter and exceed our expectations.

Tuesday of Holy Week (April 7th) – The Chrism Mass The demands of Holy Thursday make it difficult for priests and the faithful to go to the cathedral, many dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass earlier in the week, usually on Tuesday. During this Mass, the holy oils that will be used throughout the coming year are blessed by the bishops: Oil of Catechumens, used to anoint those preparing for Baptism Oil of the Sick, used to anoint those who are suffering from serious illnesses Sacred Chrism, used to anoint candidates for Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination and to bless and consecrate every new altar and chalice. All priests attend this Mass to express their solidarity with their bishop and to publicly make the ‘Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service.” Thus the Chrism Mass, a unique event for the blessing of sacred oils, becomes the premier annual occasion to thank God for the ministerial priesthood; it is an occasion for priests to reaffirm their commitment to it. As The Roman Pontifical explains, “The Chrism Mass is one of the principal expressions of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and signifies the close unity of the Priests with him.” At the conclusion of the Mass, the oils are distributed to representatives of every parish of the diocese.

Holy Thursday — Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Tonight we begin the liturgy of the Paschal Triduum, which commemorates the living memorial of the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus bends down to wash the feet of all disciples, to perform the Mandatum (the foot washing ceremony)—the Eucharist—according to John’s Gospel. The cross, Mandatum, and the Eucharist all recall the unconditional love of God and the height and the depth of that love, a love that reaches even to death. Go, do this in memory of me! This evening Lent ends and the Church enters the Sacred Paschal Triduum, gathering to pray, building toward the prolonged vigiling of Saturday night. This evening’s celebration, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, is the threshold liturgy of the Triduum. It commemorates the institution of Eucharist and the priesthood, as well as Jesus’ command of love and service.

Good Friday — Friday of the Passion of the Lord On this day, the parish community gathers to prayerfully recall the Death of Jesus “in the hope of their resurrection”. Because his Resurrection is inseparable from his Death, the Lord’s Passion is truly celebrated. We remember last night’s words from St. Paul, “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ / in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection / through whom we are saved and delivered.”

Holy Saturday — In the Morning Christ was in the tomb; he lay in darkness in the womb of the whole world. Holy Saturday commemorates that day and has a character all its own. It is a quiet day of meditation, reflection, and anticipation, especially for the elect preparing for Baptism. The color for the morning is violet.

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night The climax of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the Easter Vigil, begins after darkness has fallen, officially forty-five minutes after dark. The Easter Vigil launches us into Easter Time, and is should not be confused with Holy Saturday itself. The Easter Vigil is the most beautiful of all liturgies. Ranking highest among the celebrations of the liturgical year, it should rank highest in the spiritual life of the parish community, not a small task in places where Christmas is considered the high point.

Easter Sunday — The Resurrection of the Lord The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ continues into Easter Sunday morning. Easter Sunday marks the end of the Triduum and is the first day of the Easter Octave. This is the day to take seriously the cry of the psalmist: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” The celebration of the Triduum concludes after Vespers, and the great fifty days begin. Forty days of fast yield to fifty days of feast. The fifty days from the Sunday of Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day, indeed as one great Sunday.

Nursery The nursery is located in the classroom next to the kitchen in the parish hall. The nursery is open to children birth to 4 years.

Notify the Parish of Seriously Ill Family Member

If a family member has been admitted to the hospital or is ill at home, please let us know by contacting Cathi Shea in the parish office.

Bulletin Announcement Deadline Items must be received by Monday at 12 noon. Please submit all items to ccshea@cableone.net

ALL MEETINGS & SCHEDULED EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The staff of Holy Angels wishes all of you a very special Holy Week

MASS INTENTIONS: Week of Apr 5th – Apr 11th HOLY WEEK Bishop David P. Talley wants to assure you that each priest in our Diocese will be

privately celebrating Mass (without a congregation) for your intentions.

4/5 Su 8:00am 10:45am 1:00pm

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord For the family unit, may it be restored by Ronald Szewczyk People of Holy Angels, living and deceased Spanish Mass –

4/6 M 12 Noon 4/8 W 12 Noon 4/9 Th

6:00pm Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper For all priests serving in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis

4/10 F 6:00pm

Good Friday – Passion of the Lord NO Mass Intention on Good Friday

4/11 Sa 8:00pm

Easter Vigil For our Catechumens and Candidates entering the Church

SACRAMENTS Baptism - A preparation class is required of the parents requesting Baptism for their first child. Parents and godparents are encouraged to attend the class before the baby’s birth. Confirmation - is celebrated with students who are at least in the 8th grade and have completed the requirements for the preparation process in our PRE program. Matrimony - Couples planning to marry should contact the Pastor at least 6 months prior to the proposed date so all parish and diocesan requirements may be completed. Holy Orders - If you feel called to a vocation in the priesthood or religious life, please contact the pastor. Anointing of the Sick - If you wish to receive this sacrament, contact the pastor. If there is an emergency situation, an immediate family member should contact the pastor.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ our Risen Lord! As we prepare for the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, even through this time of isolation, let us pray for peace and strength in our hearts and our homes. As a sign of our unity with the Risen Lord and the Easter Vigil Mass, I will be blessing the Paschal Candle and the Paschal Blessing of Baptismal Water. During the Easter Vigil, the active participation of the faithful are witnessed and I want you to be part of this Paschal Grace and Blessing. The Light of Christ — The flame of the Paschal Candle is shared and passed as candles are lit by the faithful as a sign of Christ dwelling within our hearts. I will have a votive candle for each family to take home and light for a sign of our unity with the Light of Christ in us and in our homes. The Paschal Blessing of Baptismal Water — In the prayer of water during the Easter Vigil, the history of salvation is remembered and the Paschal Candle unlocks for us the Graces of Baptism; the forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Christ. After the blessing of water and baptisms, all of us remember and profess our promises made at Baptism. We then are blessed with this Holy Water as we recall our own baptisms. I will also have a small bottle of water blessed during the Paschal Blessing at the Vigil. One bottle per family or home. May we share our sign as a Child of God through our baptism and reception of the Eternal Light which leads us to our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. WE will and are united to Christ today through the Holy Spirit. -- Fr Patrick Hirtz

The Catholic Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee encourages all victims, or parents of

minors who are victims of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or diocesan employee or

agent, to report such abuse by phoning any of the following numbers:

Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline 1-877-237-0004

Victim Assistance Coordinator 901-652-4066

Dir. of Child and Youth Protection 901-359-2027

All reports will be treated in a confidential manner. The Diocese of Memphis offers a

program of psychological and spiritual assistance to abused victims in need.

(2/14/2019)

FORMED – To sign up FREE of charge as a parishioner of Holy Angels Church, go to www.holyangelscc.formed.org, click on the “REGISTER NOW” button and establish an account. After doing so, you’ll have access to a wealth of material to grow in your faith. Please take advantage of this opportunity to benefit yourselves and others.

Collection Report for 3/29/2020

Reg Collection

Online donations 3/22/20 3/29/20

$480.00 $735.00

Children’s Envelopes Total Reg Collection 4/2/20 $8,267.28 Budget $3,516.00 Reg Disbursements B/M Collection B/M Disbursements 4/2/20 $162.47

2nd Collections for APRIL 4/5 Building Maintenance 4/12 Easter Envelope 4/26 Catholic Home Missions

Special Collections for APRIL 4/10 Good Friday Envelope for the Holy Land 4/12 Seminarian Education 4/26 Mother’s Day Remembrance Envelope

You can drop-off or mail your weekly collection checks to the parish office; there is a secure mailbox outside at

the office door. Thank You

HOLY WEEK

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Branches of palm, olive, or sometimes even budding willow are ancient symbols of victory and hope, as well as of new life. The procession celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem overflowed with praise and excitement, as onlookers waved these triumphant branches and proclaimed their blessings. Yet, in a few days, they will cry “Crucify him!” The crowd’s change of heart illustrates the problem of holding God to our expectations. The crowd expected a liberating leader, the Messiah, to free them from Roman oppression. Jesus instead takes up his Cross and invites us to do the same. Through his Death and Resurrection he is indeed a liberator, but from death and sin, not from Rome. But unable to see past their need, the crowd’s disappointment turns into anger and a death order. As we enter Holy Week, Palm Sunday teaches us to let God be God and to trust in God’s wisdom not only to meet but shatter and exceed our expectations.

Tuesday of Holy Week (April 7th) – The Chrism Mass The demands of Holy Thursday make it difficult for priests and the faithful to go to the cathedral, many dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass earlier in the week, usually on Tuesday. During this Mass, the holy oils that will be used throughout the coming year are blessed by the bishops: Oil of Catechumens, used to anoint those preparing for Baptism Oil of the Sick, used to anoint those who are suffering from serious illnesses Sacred Chrism, used to anoint candidates for Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination and to bless and consecrate every new altar and chalice. All priests attend this Mass to express their solidarity with their bishop and to publicly make the ‘Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service.” Thus the Chrism Mass, a unique event for the blessing of sacred oils, becomes the premier annual occasion to thank God for the ministerial priesthood; it is an occasion for priests to reaffirm their commitment to it. As The Roman Pontifical explains, “The Chrism Mass is one of the principal expressions of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and signifies the close unity of the Priests with him.” At the conclusion of the Mass, the oils are distributed to representatives of every parish of the diocese.

Holy Thursday — Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Tonight we begin the liturgy of the Paschal Triduum, which commemorates the living memorial of the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus bends down to wash the feet of all disciples, to perform the Mandatum (the foot washing ceremony)—the Eucharist—according to John’s Gospel. The cross, Mandatum, and the Eucharist all recall the unconditional love of God and the height and the depth of that love, a love that reaches even to death. Go, do this in memory of me! This evening Lent ends and the Church enters the Sacred Paschal Triduum, gathering to pray, building toward the prolonged vigiling of Saturday night. This evening’s celebration, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, is the threshold liturgy of the Triduum. It commemorates the institution of Eucharist and the priesthood, as well as Jesus’ command of love and service.

Good Friday — Friday of the Passion of the Lord On this day, the parish community gathers to prayerfully recall the Death of Jesus “in the hope of their resurrection”. Because his Resurrection is inseparable from his Death, the Lord’s Passion is truly celebrated. We remember last night’s words from St. Paul, “We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ / in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection / through whom we are saved and delivered.”

Holy Saturday — In the Morning Christ was in the tomb; he lay in darkness in the womb of the whole world. Holy Saturday commemorates that day and has a character all its own. It is a quiet day of meditation, reflection, and anticipation, especially for the elect preparing for Baptism. The color for the morning is violet.

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night The climax of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the Easter Vigil, begins after darkness has fallen, officially forty-five minutes after dark. The Easter Vigil launches us into Easter Time, and is should not be confused with Holy Saturday itself. The Easter Vigil is the most beautiful of all liturgies. Ranking highest among the celebrations of the liturgical year, it should rank highest in the spiritual life of the parish community, not a small task in places where Christmas is considered the high point.

Easter Sunday — The Resurrection of the Lord The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ continues into Easter Sunday morning. Easter Sunday marks the end of the Triduum and is the first day of the Easter Octave. This is the day to take seriously the cry of the psalmist: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” The celebration of the Triduum concludes after Vespers, and the great fifty days begin. Forty days of fast yield to fifty days of feast. The fifty days from the Sunday of Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day, indeed as one great Sunday.

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Rev. Patrick Hirtz

APRIL Month of the Holy Eucharist

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

–Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24

Mission Statement

Holy Angels is a Catholic community of faith joining past, present, and future members on a journey with Christ to the Father. Through worship, stewardship, evangelization, and works of charity, we strive to more perfectly image God, who is love.

Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Sunday: 8:00am; 10:45am & Spanish Mass at 1:00pm

Daily Mass: M, W, F at 12 noon; Th at 9:00am First Saturday ONLY is at 8:00am

(Holydays & Holidays: See special announcement in bulletin) CONFESSION - Saturday: 4:00-4:30pm;

Sunday: between Masses or by appointment

April 5, 2020 — Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A)

Holy Angels Catholic Church 535 Tucker Street Dyersburg, TN 38024-3873 Parish Office Phone: (731) 287-8000 Parish Email: hachurch@cableone.net

www.holyangelscc.com

Pastor Rev. Patrick Hirtz Email: revhirtz@cableone.net

Finance Mary Alyce Fiechtl

Administrative Assistant Cathi Cychol Shea Email: ccshea@cableone.net

Music Director Sarah Jean

Nursery Therese Cohen

Maintenance Richard Spence

Parish Religious Education (PRE) Carrie Beld, Director (cell: 731-882-9151) Email: nanacbeld@yahoo.com Office Hours: Sunday 8:45-10:45am

Youth Group Minister Deborah McCallen (cell: 731-297-6197) Assistants: Tanya Larraga & Billy Bona Wednesday Evenings 6:00-8:00pm

NEW OFFICE HOURS as of 8/1/19

M – F 9:00am – 4:00pm (Closed 12:30 – 1:30pm for lunch)

We welcome any visitors, including those who may not be of our Catholic faith. We pray that our celebration of the sacred liturgy today was a meaningful one for you. If you are a new member in the parish, complete a census form and return it to the church office. Census forms can be found in the foyer. To date we have 251 families and 721 parishioners.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (A) April 4/5, 2020

APRIL -- Month of the Holy Eucharist

FIRST READING (Is 50:4-7) One of the four so-called “suffering Servant Songs” of Isaiah (we will have the others in the course of the week) depicting a prophet who willingly submits to shame and disgrace in carrying out his ministry with God’s help. In the context of today’s liturgy, Isaiah’s words point to Jesus, the suffering prophet from Galilee. Throughout his ministry, Jesus’s words were meant to rouse and give hope to a weary people. Faithfully, he listened to the Father in prayer. Faithfully he carried out his mission. Hear how Isaiah’s words about the prophet’s sufferings are echoed in Matthew’s account of Jesus’s Passion.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24) The words of today’s antiphon are placed on the lips of the crucified Jesus in Matthew’s account of the Passion. Did Jesus feel abandoned by God? The psalm is a prayer of lament uttered in the depths of great distress. Note how the psalmist’s descriptions of his suffering are echoed in the Gospel account of Jesus’s Passion and Death. Note the confident change of tone in the last stanza of the psalm. The psalmist had moved—or been carried—through his suffering into a new stance in life. So, too, was Jesus. So, too, can we be.

SECOND READING (Phil 2:6-11) Paul offers a Christological reflection. In the first part he describes the divine-human nature of Jesus. Although Jesus was “in the form of God” he took on the human form of a slave; he “humbled himself” and became obedient “to the point of death.” This Jesus did willingly, surrendering to the will of the Father. The action of God is described in the second part of the text. Jesus is exalted and his name placed above every other name; every tongue, every knee will honor him.

GOSPEL (Matt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54) This year on Palm Sunday we hear Matthew’s account of Jesus’s suffering and Death. Matthew’s Passion narrative is a series of events that unfold in several locations. Matthew follows Mark’s account closely while at the same time incorporating information from his own sources, such as Judas’s remorse and suicide, the dream of Pilate’s wife about Jesus, Pilate’s assertion of his own innocence with regard to Jesus’ Death and the placement of a guard of soldiers at Jesus’s tomb in order to prevent his body from being stolen and his Resurrection asserted. The Gospel reader knows what the authorities did not know; even these measures would not contain the plan of God. As Jesus and his disciples move from one situation to the next, it becomes obvious that Jesus is in charge of the events, surrendering to the outcome of the actions of others. He is not a victim but a servant choosing to do the will of the Father. This supreme expression of love, for the Father, for his followers and for us is the heart of this narrative. As in Mark, all takes place at Passover, the annual commemoration of the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. As Jesus celebrates this feast with his disciples, he will undergo his own Passover from Death to Life. He will be “handed over” (note how often the verb occurs) by one from his own circle of disciples as well as by the religious leaders of his people. And in a very real sense, he likewise hands himself over to the Father: “…your will be done”. The sufferings of his Passion are not only physical. In addition to the betrayal just mentioned, “all” of his disciples abandon him and flee at the moment of his arrest. He is denied by Peter, the very one whom he had earlier made the head of his Church, the community of his followers. How would Jesus have felt in the experience of betrayal and abandonment by his closest friends at this time? On the other hand, in contrast to Jesus’ male disciples who betrayed, denied and abandoned him, there are the “many” (the use of the word here is unique to Matthew) women disciples who had “followed” Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the unnamed mother of the sons of Zebedee. They are present at Jesus’s burial and Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” remained there, sitting facing the tomb. It is these two who come to the tomb on the morning of the day after the Sabbath. Their actions have much to say about discipleship and the fidelity and fears of disciples—of those who were contemporaries of Jesus as well as ourselves today. Matthew depicts Jesus’ Death (and Resurrection) as “earth-shaking” events. The earthquake signaled the inauguration of the end time as does the Resurrection of the dead. The earthquake was also associated with manifestations of the presence of God in the Old Testament and it is this that prompts the centurion and his companions to acclaim: “Truly, this was the Son of God”.

REFLECTION The essence of everything we are and believe in is shared at length today. A feast has to first be seen in its entirety, with the awestruck sense of all it holds seen in the heart, before the small bites can be taken, tasted and understood. The bite-size pieces of sustenance come as we will live the Last Supper, walk the Stations on Good Friday and watch Jesus crucified. Until those known moments, listen deeply to where you need to “sit” in the story; open your eyes to how you need to grow and which character you might be and wait in trust that all can be given to God and made new.

Readings: HOLY WEEK Su 4/5 Matt 21:1-11 • Is 50:4-7 • Ps 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 •

Philip 2:6-11 • Matt 26:14—27:66 M 4/6 Is 42:1-7 • Ps 27:1-3, 13-14 • John 12:1-11 Tu 4/7 Is 49:1-6 • Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17 • John 13:21-33, 36-38 W 4/8 Is 50:4-9 •Ps 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 • Matt

26:14-25 Th 4/9 Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 • Ps 116:12-13, 15-18, • 1 Cor

11:23-26 • John 13:1-15 F 4/10 Is 52:13—53:12 • Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 •

Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9 • John 18:1—19:42 Sa 4/11 Gen 1:1—2:2 • Ex 14:15—15:1 • Ex 15:1-6, 17-18

• Rom 6:3-11 • Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 • Matt 28:1-10

Funerals When planning a funeral for a loved one, please call the pastor before making any arrangements with the funeral home regarding the date and time of visitation, the funeral Mass or service at the funeral home.

Hospitality Committee Holy Angels will provide a funeral luncheon if the family of the deceased requests one. The Hospitality Committee consists of several women from the parish who volunteer to host the luncheons. Someone from the committee will be calling on you for food and help when the need arises.

Pope Francis’ Monthly Prayer Intention Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. Only one intention is offered per month, whether universal or related to evangelization.

APRIL Freedom from Addiction

We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.

His Holiness Pope Francis — Prayer to Protect the World

O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’

pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Faithful, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that,

as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.

Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings

and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial,

but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

FOOD DRIVE for Matthew 25:40 Help us fill Matthew’s Food Pantry!!! Place donations in the grocery buggy

located in the foyer. SHARE WHAT YOU CAN

Anniversaries Apr 5th – 11th None this week

Birthdays Apr 5th – 11th 4/5 Abbey Alley, Maria Bocanegra, Rome Chambers, Elizabeth Hurt 4/6 Jesus Benitez Ayala, Celso Gonzalez, Sr. 4/8 Nicolas Bañuelos Beltran, Terry Piskorski 4/7 Evelyn Garcia, Maritza Hernandez 4/9 Everado Luna, Demetrio Salinas 4/10 Justin Lee 4/11 Jonathan Alley, Christopher Ebelhar, Rick McCoy