Lenten Observances

This is a busy Lent. This week, I literally have some event or class or liturgy on my calendar every day of the week, including two Rites of Election. Fortunately, my role in those two (at least) is not as MC, but as RCIA Director and sponsor, and this is pretty low stress.

On the other hand, I led last Friday’s Stations of the Cross at the parish. Mind you, I’m strictly third string – Fr. Wichert was leading them at his other parish of Visitation at the time, and his Deacon was on retreat.

Leading the Stations is pretty much the most nerve-wracking thing I do for my parish. There’s always some point during the devotion when my emotions start to break down, and I can hear my voice wavering. But how could you not? After all, here we are walking with Christ on His way through Jerusalem, from His condemnation by Pilate right through His being laid in the tomb.

I’m not ashamed to say that I get a little verklempt. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Of course, I’ve already talked about our Sunday chanted Vespers. This coming Sunday, we don’t have our priest, so it will be a much subdued, simpler form of chanted Vespers. Either way, it is a beautiful and traditional way of worship.

Please join us if you can! Stations is at 7pm on Fridays and Vespers is at 6pm on Sundays.