Rector's Note: The Holiest Days

Dear Saints,

Something is different today.

Today we enter into the holiest days in the church calendar, the Triduum, or the three days leading to Easter.

These days are different. Special. And yet, they come while the rest of life continues on as normal. Workplaces and schools remain open. Household tasks need attending to. Taxes still need to get done.

Life doesn’t pause for us.

So in these next few days, I encourage you to pause where you can. Stop for a minute to look outside. Or think lovingly about people in your life. Do something to care for yourself. Buy or cut some fresh flowers, take a walk, listen to music. Do something to care for someone else. Give up complaining, trying to control things, or trying to have one’s way. Let what will be be. Listen. And let the Spirit draw you into the mystery and miracle that is taking place, regardless of what else is happening.

Holy Week & Easter Services and Activities

Our Triduum services, which are our chance to participate in the Paschal mystery together, begin this evening and are listed here. They are taking place in-person and online. If there is a Holy Week or Easter service that is full that you are wanting to attend, please email me at priest@allsaintspdx.org.

If you would like to have an Agape Meal or do foot or hand washing at home this evening, we have instructions posted here. It’s not too late to incorporate these simple rituals into one’s day.

If you would like to pray through the modern rendition of Stations of the Cross you may do so in the 30 minutes before or after the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. There are booklets with the prayers and the artist’s descriptions in the back. The combination of the images, prayers, and descriptions are powerful.

You all are in my prayers as we enter into this sacred time.

Blessings,

The Rev. Andria Skornik

Photo: The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother - The Grotto, Portland, OR