HAPPY EASTER!!

The Triduum is OVER!!   It was a busy, but fruitful three days!

Holy Thursday began the Triduum, the holiest time of year for Catholics. After working all day, Linda and I went to the Mass of the Lord's Supper held at 7PM. It was a beautiful service, the altar servers did an excellent job, which really helped to enhance the whole experience. There was the usual touch of sadness as the altar and sanctuary were stripped bare of all decorations and coverings.

Friday morning I attended 10 AM rehearsal for the 3 PM Good Friday service. After much reflection I decided to try singing the Prayers of the Faithful, something I've never done before. I think it went okay. Father asked me to preach, so I gave a short homily. Then home again to begin thinking about the Mass of the Lord's Resurrection (the Easter Vigil Mass) on Saturday.

Saturday morning dawned sunny and beautiful. After breakfast and coffee I began rehearsing the Exultet for Mass that evening... with breaks in between for a little facebook. At 10:10 the church called and asked if I had forgotten about the 10 AM rehearsal! There I was, totally oblivious to the time, still in my pajamas. So I ran a brush through my hair, threw on some clothes and rushed over to the church for rehearsal.

The Vigil Mass started at 8 PM with the blessing of the fire and the lighting of the Easter candle. It was another beautiful liturgy, with wonderful music provided by our organist and cantor (cantress?). The Mass was, sadly, only lightly attended, but in the congregation were our very good friends, Keith and Chris.

After Mass (at around 10 PM) Linda, Keith, Chris and I went out for a late dinner. Not knowing of too many places that would be open at that hour, we ended up at IHOP. We ate and talked for almost 2 hours, catching up on all that has happened in our families since we had last gotten together. I think we all had a great time. Then it was home to bed.

Sunday morning was spent getting ready for our traditional family Easter dinner. This year we decided to have it at H2F's apartment, so we prepared most of the food at home, then carried it to her place. All together we had myself, Linda, Major Dad, DLG, Ian, BB (Bridget), BB (big Brigitte),Molly-moo, H2, H2F, and Fr's Deo and Sebastian, from Uganda and Tanzania respectively.  We sorely missed H1/DIL1 and KenEllie, whose presence would have made the day complete!  Still, we were able to assuage our disappointment a bit with ham, potatoes (both mashed and sweet), corn, green bean casserole, dinner croissants, and of course, Major Dad's awesome devilled eggs!  Apple pie and ice cream and coffee rounded out the meal.

We are now into the Octave of Easter (8 days).  Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter season.  *Rejoice heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels!

Exult, all creation around God's throne!
Jesus Christ our King is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!

Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes forever!

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God's people!

*from the Exultet, or Easter Proclamation