Dear beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,

You might know them as C&E Catholics—they might come to Mass for Christmas and Easter. That’s it.

So many friends and family do not yet know the love of the Lord. They might be troubled about relationships, money, health, work or family. They have the notion that the church is a hotel for saints when, as Pope Francis said, the church is actually a field hospitable for sinners. Healing and mercy are here for the having. All they need is an invitation.

Holy Week begins this Sunday, April 13, with Palm Sunday. We receive palm branches and a special blessing.

On Holy Thursday April 17, the Lord washes their feet clean. He establishes the new and eternal covenant of his body and blood. 

On Good Friday April 18, they can hear the story of how Jesus suffered and died for their sins. They can venerate the cross that saves us. The simple refrain says it best: “Behold, behold the wood of the Cross on which is hung our salvation. O come, let us adore.”

The Easter Vigil, which St. Augustine called “the mother of all vigils”, begins at 8:30 p.m. Saturday evening April 19. (The 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass is canceled.) 

Easter Sunday is April 20. For your friend or family member who may worry that the church building will collapse if they enter it, good news! We are renovating the church anyway. Note that the Easter Sunday Mass schedule is 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.  Mass Times | Nativity Catholic Church | Longwood, FL

All they need is an invitation. They will not come on their own. They might come if invited. Who will invite them?

Pick one person to invite. Pray for them. Ask them to come with you to one liturgy during Holy Week. Don’t let them miss out.

Blessed Lent,

Father David