From the Director of Sacred Music & Liturgy - March

Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ! I would like to comment briefly on four notable celebrations coming up on the liturgical calendar this month. 

March 14, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, is known as “Laetare” Sunday. The Latin word “laetare” means “rejoice,” and the title for this Sunday comes from the first words of the Introit Proper: “Rejoice, O Jerusalem; and gather round, all you who love her…”. On this day, the darkness of Lenten purple is tempered by the light and hope of quickly-approaching Easter, hence the lighter rose-colored vestments and linens. 

March 19 is the Feast of St. Joseph, to whom this year in the church has been dedicated by Pope Francis. You might enjoy reading the Holy Father’s apostolic letter Patris corde (“With a father’s heart…”) with your family this day. Don’t forget to say a special prayer asking God’s blessing on all of the husbands and fathers that you know. 

March 25 is the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary. You might reflect prayerfully on Luke 1:26-38, or stop by the parish center staircase to view a print of Dominican artist Fra Angelico’s c. 1440 fresco entitled The Annunciation. 

March 28 is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Considering that there were no in-person Masses this time last year, I hope that the opportunity to celebrate this holiest week of the year as a parish family and to receive God’s grace through the sacraments will be especially meaningful.