{"id":16750,"date":"2020-04-05T21:46:08","date_gmt":"2020-04-05T21:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssvmusa.org\/?p=16750"},"modified":"2020-10-09T18:38:16","modified_gmt":"2020-10-09T22:38:16","slug":"holy-week-from-home-some-concrete-proposals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssvmusa.org\/index.php\/2020\/04\/05\/holy-week-from-home-some-concrete-proposals\/","title":{"rendered":"Holy Week From Home – Some Concrete Proposals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Usually we think about “spiritual preparation” for Holy Week, and less about concrete plans.\u00a0 This year we may be tempted to consider the spiritual dimension in an odd “disembodied way,” without realizing that we can — and need to — engage our whole selves for Holy Week. \u00a0 Even though we are unable to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, or to gather as His people, we can mark these days in the rhythm of prayer.<\/p>\n

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SCHEUDLE WITH LIVESTREAM IN MIND<\/strong>
\nWe propose that you plan your week with the scheduled livestream liturgies of your home diocese in mind.\u00a0 For example, in Washington, we might look up the times and plan our household meals and other activities so as to “attend” thoughtfully these liturgies.<\/p>\n

Archbishop Gregory will be celebrating the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter at The Cathedral of Saint Matthew. These celebrations will be available via live-stream on the Archdiocese of Washington YouTube channel<\/a>. See a schedule of services below and a link to the YouTube channel.<\/p>\n

Holy Thursday:<\/strong> 5:30 pm
\nGood Friday:<\/strong> 1:00 pm
\nEaster Vigil:<\/strong> 8:00 pm
\nEaster Sunday:<\/strong> 10:00 am<\/p>\n

You might find your own local bishop’s schedule at the local diocesan page, or from the USCCB<\/a> site.<\/p>\n

PLAN TO PRAY AND READ FROM SCRIPTURE IN A NON-DIGITAL ZONE OF YOUR HOME<\/strong>
\nAll of the liturgical readings can be noted day-by-day: see USCCB Liturgical Readings (for Monday, April 6<\/a>).\u00a0 Jot down the Biblical references, and then pick up (dust off if needed!) your printed Bible and make a space for prayer, near a window, or by a crucifix or image of Mary.<\/p>\n

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The Archdiocese of Washington has made “A Prayer Service from Your Home,” see this a very compact and helpful handout<\/a> with similar kinds of suggestions.<\/p>\n

The Liturgy of the Hours<\/strong> is a very fitting prayer, and can be prayed on your own, with others in your household, or aloud “in choirs” (alternating the verses) with a friend by Skype\/Zoom.<\/p>\n

What is the Liturgy of the Hours – USCCB<\/a>
\nDivine Office (register for a free account) – DivineOffice.org<\/a>
\nUniversalis – Universalis<\/a>
\nMagnificat – free online edition<\/a><\/p>\n

God is present to you when you pray and call upon Him — not “virtually” but really.\u00a0 Disconnect from the ebb and flow of the digital sphere whenever possible. Mark yourself with the sign of the Cross, and listen to His voice.\u00a0 Then with your household, “attend” the livestream with intentionality and respect.\u00a0 Download this template to fill in, if you like: Holy Week Liturgies and Preparations.<\/a><\/p>\n

REVIVE, RENEW, and OBSERVE CUSTOMS FOR A NORMAL TRIUUM and EASTER
\n<\/strong>Growing up, Good Friday was the day of silence for the whole house: no radio \/ music, less talking, time of recollection, simple fasting small meals, and individual prayer time.\u00a0 Do this!\u00a0 Make your apartment or house a little monastery for these days.\u00a0 If you are the only Christian in the group, ask for respect and space to pray.
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Often our moms had concrete plans like Easter…the new Easter dress for the girls, a new suit for the boys, special menu items for Easter Day, flowers on the table, etc.\u00a0 You can also plan to celebrate the Resurrection from your home!\u00a0 Plan a different and special meal, set the table with the best you’ve got, dress up and make for your household a true celebration of the Risen Lord.<\/p>\n

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Let us live deeply these days of quarantine and uncertainty, with the true and deep certainty<\/strong> that Our Lord has suffered with and for us, and that He has conquered sin and death by His Cross and Resurrection.\u00a0 Nothing and no one can take that away.\u00a0 Not even the limits of four walls and a global pandemic.<\/p>\n

Please know of our prayers for all of you during these days of the Holy Week.<\/p>\n

Sisters of the Province of the Immaculate Conception<\/p>\n

Enjoy this message of unity and cheer from our missionaries and Third Order families around the world, “No one is alone”:<\/em><\/p>\n