From Fr. Fran:

     After the altar, ambo (the place where the scriptures are proclaimed) and the baptismal font, one of the  most important symbols in our church building is the Paschal Candle.  This candle symbolizes Christ among us as the one who lights and guides our way.
     The church calls us to have a new candle each year. The dedication of the candle and its first lighting is what begins the Easter Vigil at dusk on the night we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.  We gather outside the church in darkness.  The new Easter fire is lit.  From that fire the Paschal Candle takes its first flame.  Then the candle is placed at the head of the procession to guide us into the darkened church as the light that pierces the darkness.  Soon all gathered take the light from that candle, spread it around, and the church becomes bright from the glow of the new light passed from one person to the next.
     The candle is then placed in its stand where it will be a beacon throughout the coming year.  The candle is also given the honor of incense and, during the great sung prayer of praise called the Exsultet, we ask God to accept and bless it. The Paschal Candle continues to be lit throughout the Easter season and then again throughout the year at baptisms, funerals and other occasions. 
     Since the Paschal Candle is such a central figure in our life together as a parish it is fitting that it should be of the highest quality and of a size that clearly portrays its importance and dignity.  We purchase our Paschal Candle each year from the Marklin Candle Company of Vermont, recognized throughout the country for the high quality of their craftsmanship and design. 
     Once again this year we are inviting parishioners to donate towards the cost of our beautiful Paschal Candle. If you would like to contribute, perhaps in the name of a loved one, please let me know or give a call to our parish office.
     Did you know that around 30 dedicated parishioners have been busy meeting and preparing for our parish celebration of the Triduum (Holy Thursday – Easter Sunday)?  Many parishes have perhaps 5 or 6 folks at the most who do all the prep work for Triduum.  This year our parish team has expanded to include parishioners of all ages and levels of participation in our parish community.  Their enthusiasm and communal spirit will lead us all to a wonderful celebration of Holy Week, Triduum and the Easter season.  Please keep them in your prayers as they make their final preparations and please plan to join in the most sacred days of the year! 
     This is quite the busy time of the year!  Our 2^nd graders have just experienced their retreat and joined in the Sacrament of Penance for the first time.  A couple of weeks before their own retreat, our Confirmation students hosted a wonderful Lenten Simple Supper in support of the parishes we are assisting in Louisiana.  Our Social Activities Committee has revived our parish celebration of St. Patrick and so many are busy preparing our second annual Spring Fling.  Lots of great events are going on!  The highlight of course will be the celebration of the Easter Triduum.  Next Sunday after the 10 AM Mass I will be hosting an hour long presentation exploring what the Easter Triduum is all about.  We will be looking at such rituals as the washing of the feet, veneration of the cross, and the service of light at the Easter Vigil.  I invite all parishioners to join me next Sunday after the 10 AM Mass to learn a bit more about the wonderful and powerful rituals we will be celebrating