Photo Caption: Jesus (Nick Thelen) meets his Mother (Lucy Fitzgibbons) in this scene from a Living Stations of the Cross performed by eighth grade students of St. Mary School in Metamora on March 20.

With the reading of the Passion narrative from Mark’s Gospel this Sunday, Catholics around the Diocese of Peoria — and their Christian brothers and sisters around the world — enter into Holy Week.

In the days to come, there will be opportunities to remember the institution of the Eucharist, venerate the cross as we call to mind Jesus’ crucifixion and death, and welcome new believers into the church as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

The eighth-graders at St. Mary School in Metamora recently helped their classmates and parishioners experience Jesus’ sacrifice in a powerful and moving way by presenting Living Stations of the Cross. As she has for 22 years, April Adams directed the reenactment with help from Debbie Fitzgibbons backstage, musical support from Darlene Klein (piano) and Janet Duffy (vocals), and lighting assistance from her husband, Stan.

HOLY WEEK AT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
On Tuesday, March 31, Catholics throughout the Diocese of Peoria are invited to join Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, the priests of the diocese, and about 200
Catholic school students for the annual chrism Mass.

The Mass begins at 1 p.m.

“The bishop loves nothing more than when the cathedral is filled with the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the diocese,” said Msgr. Stanley Deptula, cathedral rector, in issuing a wide invitation to this year’s Mass at which sacred oils used in sacramental ministry throughout the year are blessed and distributed.

Music for this year’s Mass will be provided by the cathedral choir joined by the Peoria Notre Dame High School Choir. The Pueri Cantores Children’s Choir will also sing, and a special musical meditation after Communion will be offered by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

Meanwhile, Bishop Jenky will bless Easter baskets and families in a brief ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Holy Saturday, April 4. The blessing will take place in the St. Thomas More Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

A full schedule of Holy Week and Easter observances at St. Mary’s Cathedral appears below:

Friday, March 27: Stations of the Cross, 7:15 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available before Stations.

Tuesday, March 31: Chrism Mass, 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 2: Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, April 3: Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 3 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available after the service. Living Stations of the Cross in Spanish, starting at 5 p.m. in front of the cathedral.

Saturday, April 4: Via Dolorosa in Spanish, starting at 8 a.m. in the cathedral parking lot. Blessing of Easter Baskets, 10:30 a.m., in the St. Thomas More Chapel. Solemn Vigil Mass of the Resurrection, 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, April 5: Solemn Mass of Easter, 10:30 a.m. (English) and 12:15 p.m. (Spanish).

For more information on cathedral Masses or events, call (309) 682-5823.