Holy Thursday.............This Holy Thursday liturgy has the Elect in mind, and it is a wonderful night for children. On this night we "act out" the meaning of the Eucharist, the meaning of our salvation, and the meaning of discipleship. In our preparing for Holy Thursday, it helps to enter into this experience as a member of a community that desires to "show" to our newest and youngest members, who we are and who we desire to be.................. Good Friday............Venerating The Cross. Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world. Come, let us worship! ............. We fast from celebrating the Eucharist today, but we are gathered by the Spirit to re-connect with our celebration of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. We do not want to forget what that liturgy continues to mean for us. This is the bread that gives life. This is his self-giving love for us. This is our nourishment for our mission................... Dear Lord, as I approach your cross, I am like the disciples who ran. I love you and I want to be a good servant, but getting close to your cross is difficult. I'm not sure why. I want to say that it is just a struggle to let you die for me. But there is more. I resist responding gratefully. I resist seeing in your death the mystery of my life. When I behold you there on the cross I see the meaning of life. You are completely who you are there. Giving your life away you receive it. The grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying. I see the meaning of my life. To love as I have been loved by you. To be your disciple is to take up my meaning and to follow you. To receive my life only by giving it away is to bear fruit that will last. As I embrace your cross please give me the grace to place my life in your hands and become day by day a servant of your own mission............. Easter Vigil...... Christ be our Light, "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds." ................... The Blessing of the Water A Renewal of Baptismal Promises........ The Celebration of Confirmation .........