Family Faith News
Holy Family Parish
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Preparing our Hearts during Holy Week
Holy Week is a time of reflection as we culminate this final week of Lent leading to Easter Sunday. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. The week leads us through the Last Supper, His crucifixion, and ends on Easter Sunday with His resurrection. This is the basis of our faith.
Jesus' sacrifice launched the New Covenant God promised and many had prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Each day of Holy Week allows us to open our hearts to His love for us. It is reflected in every significant step toward the cross, every breath up to the last, and His resurrection.
To view Holy Family Parish's schedule of Mass times for Palm Sunday and Holy Week, click on this link to the Holy Family Parish website:
Mass Readings for Sunday, March 28: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. We hear the story of Jesus’ king-like entry into the holy city of Jerusalem . . . on a donkey. That does not seem like a very kingly way to ride, however, that is Jesus' point: He is a new kind of king, the King of Peace foretold by the prophets. Then we hear the reading about the Last Supper, and Jesus’ Passion.
As you listen the Gospel, you can point out these important aspects of the Mass so your children have a better understanding of significance of Palm Sunday and Holy Week:
- Red vestments. Because we hear the Passion today, the priest wears red vestments. Red is the symbol of martyrs, of whom Christ is the prototype.
- Procession before Mass. In most places, especially during times prior to COVID, people will gather before Mass to bless palm branches and hear the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem from the Gospel of Matthew. Then that triumphant entry is re-enacted as the people process into the church singing a song of praise and waving palm branches.
- Palms, a symbol of victory. Palm branches are distributed before Mass. In the ancient world, palms were symbols of victory, given to athletes, military leaders, and kings. Jesus was welcomed and greeted by the people in Jerusalem with palm branches.
- We hear the Passion. We hear a very long Gospel reading of the Passion—that is, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Usually, the Passion is read by several different readers; people attending mass may assume the role of the crowd demanding Jesus’ death. Have children reflect on how they feel when they hear, “Crucify him!”?
Activities for Family
Palm Sunday Cross
Palm branches are traditionally given out at Palm Sunday Mass as we remember Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week. Because these palms are sacramental, they cannot be thrown away. They must either be burned or buried to be disposed of correctly.
As we care for these palms, there are many ways you can fold and display them. Below are easy steps and a video to demonstrate how to fold palms into a cross.
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Done!
Project IMT
Many say President Biden’s plan would change their lives. Biden's proposed immigration legislation would create an "earned path to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants in the United States.
If passed , here's how it would work:
- Dreamers, TPS holders and immigrant farmworkers would be eligible for green cards immediately.
- Other undocumented immigrants could apply for temporary legal status right away. After five years, they could apply for green cards.
- Green card holders could apply to become US citizens after three years. They'd have to pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and US civics.
Just a Few Reminders!
2021 Bishop's Annual Appeal
2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Transformed by Christ’s Body and Blood –
Sent on Mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church
Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal impacts the lives of so many and supports such vital ministries as the formation of our seminarians and deacons, outreach to our youth and young adults, and programs to assist couples through marriage preparation. Our ongoing efforts in evangelization and catechesis, advocacy for human life and dignity, and effectively ministering to people of varied ethnicities and languages all depend on your generosity. In addition, $1.7 million has been earmarked for our Catholic Charities which is dedicated to providing basic needs and counseling services for those struggling with the hardships of life.
To learn more about the impact of your gift, view the Bishop’s Annual Appeal video by going to https://diometuchen.org/BAA. This year, the BAA video is being produced in a series of 4 (approximately one per month), so be sure to check it out frequently.
Snap a Picture & Share Your Crafts with Us!
Gerardo's Holy Week Spinning Plate Craft
Mark's Holy Week Spinning Plate Craft
Ashley's Holy Week Spinning Plate Craft
Ashley Pacheco Olivera
Emily & Salome's St. Joseph Staff of Lilies
Jamie's St. Joseph Staff of Lilies
Jose's St. Joseph Staff of Lilies
Holy Week Spinning Plate Craft
Diego's True Temple of Jesus Project
Diego's St. Joseph Staff of Lilies
Uplift Video of the Week!
Just Breathe...
A bond between brothers! As this 4-year old boy was about to have a tantrum, his 6-year old brother helped him to manage his breathing so he could calm down...and he did! Watching their interactions together and strong bond is truly adorable!
Holy Family Parish
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OR
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Email: catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org
Website: holyfamilyforall.org
Location: 56 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 545-1681
Facebook: facebook.com/holyfamilyparish
Twitter: @holyfamily4all