As is our custom, shared with much of the universal Church, we begin the Triduum of Holy Week with the ages-old custom of the Seder Supper, the Passover meal commemorating the flight of the Israelites from Egypt. Rich with symbols of candles, mazzah, lamb, and herbs, millenia-old prayers, and meaningful roles for our children, the seder was the supper our Lord celebrated before his passion and death. The Parish Center was nearly full with participants for this powerful commemoration of our ancient ties to the traditions of Judaism.
        Following the seder, the congregation gathered in the church for the liturgy which celebrates the creation of the Holy Eucharist. This modern reliving of the Last Supper has its own rich symbols including the renewal of priestly commitment, receiving of sacramental oils, and washing of the feet by Father Taylor. Holy Communion is of course the central part of the liturgy. At the conclusion, the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the church in a solemn procession to the congregational singing of "Praise We Christ's Immortal Body!" As the procession leaves the main church to the stirring words, "Glory, Honor, Adoration", the church becomes somber in anticipation of Jesus' suffering and death. The altar is stripped - the tabernacle empty - Christ resides in the Blessed Sacrament in the side chapel, beautifully transformed into the "repository" where parishioners kept vigil until the church closed at midnight.