Easter season is chance to experience beauty of churches, reflect on Christ’s sacrifice

Editor:

“Go To The Max” – Come to Church Palm Sunday 10:30 Mass at Holy Family, Albion was simply beautiful.

Even if you are Christian, but not Catholic, there are reasons you should come to Holy Family the rest of Holy Week. First, and nearest to my “heart,” we have a wonderful half and half women and men choir. We have long-time choir director and organist, Harriette Greaser, who has perfectionist skills and an artist’s tastes.  The church’s acoustics are excellent.

On Palm Sunday, the well-rehearsed choir’s harmonies, rhythms and dynamics were dead on. And then there was Susan Walter on flute. The exquisite beauty of her low-register playing, coupled with Harriette on the organ brought tears to many eyes.

She, Harriette and then the choir with them, captured the underlying sadness of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, to only 4 days later with his treacherous capture,  crucifixion and death. As we believe, He did that all for us.

These services from Palm Sunday through Easter, have always resonated with me, since probably the 4rd grade, when I became an altar server.

Pastor Mark Noonan encouraged us to “Go to the max,” this week.  He quoted the apostles to the newly risen Christ on the road to Emmaus, “Stay with us.”  Jesus will and always stay with us, Father said.

Then there’s the other side: on Palm Sunday the Bible says that “the Lord had need of a donkey and place to celebrate the Passover.” Father Mark pointed out that Jesus has need of us and our faithful following and participation.

Parishioner adds, He needs us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” “whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do unto Me,” “Hunger and thirst for Justice,” be a “Peacemaker,” and so many more of Jesus’ great teachings and example. The rest of the “Tridium,” Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday at 3 p.m. and the Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. at Holy Family are open to all, who believe in Christ and His teachings, or for those searching for more than themselves.

As Father says, “Go to the Max” – appreciate it all. These services tend to be long, but relax, take a break from the constant gaggle out there, and be moved by the experience of Christ’s sacrifice, the art in this marvelous church and by some wonderful music.

Update on March 30 at 10 a.m.: Correction and addition:  Service at Holy Family tonight is at 8:15 p.m. rather than 8:30. Also, the choir again will be in full force Sunday for 10:30 a.m. Mass. A highlight will be the “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah.

Bob Golden

Waterport