OPENING THE EASTER TRIDUUM WITH THE MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER AND THE MANDATUM OF MINISTRY...........

123 parishioners attended the Mass of the Lord's Supper tonight in OLOL Church in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights /  Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / in California, USA.  The Easter Triduum has begun as we celebrated the Institution of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus gave His Disciples more than 2,000 years ago, transforming a Jewish Passover Seder into the First Communion Meal of the Christian Faith.  The Priesthood of Jesus Christ, is also in our focus on this night, as we recall from the Apostles of Jesus, to the presbyters ordained as Priests of the Church founded by Christ, now into the 3rd Millennium of Catholic-Christianity, those who are the servant-leaders of the People of God. The cumulative numbers of priestly service denoted by we three priests tonight, totals 98 years; Father Pius 21 years; Father Traynor, 53 years; and yours truly 24 years.  In just eleven days I officially begin my one year countdown to the Silver Jubilee of my Ordination to the Priesthood.....  The Mandatum, the Latin word for the Washing of the Feet, is a concrete call to all Catholic-Christians to serve others in the Ministry of being Church.  Tonight at OLOL, for only the third time in my twenty four years a priest, the parish I am ministering in  has washed the feet of twelve men only, with no women, or numerous others present, who share in the ministry of the Church, by virtue of their Catholic-Christian Baptism and Initiation into the Body of Christ.  In my first year of this pastorate I chose to do what as a new Pastor, it is recommended we do, and take a look during the first year at what the parish does, before changing or adapting it.  Upon inquiring, I was informed the Diocese has written for permission to allow the inclusion of women in the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, and has not received a negative response to date.  Therefore, circumstances allowing for an inclusive feet washing a year from now, I intend to include men, women, child, adults, and representatives of every Parish Ministry.  As the mandatum of the Washing of Feet, is a mandate to Ministry and Discipleship on the part of every member of the Community of Believers.  After sharing a delicious dinner of Esperanza Perez's Chicken in Gravy, Pasta Noodles, and Broccoli, with Fathers Pius Amah, and Tony Traynor, they joined me in concelebrating Mass at 7 pm, which was followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, until 10 pm, another Tradition of Holy Thursday night.  Tomorrow, Good Friday, Fr. Pius will preside at the 12 noon Solemn Liturgy. joined by Father Traynor and myself, and I will lead the Stations of the Cross at 7 pm.  A very Happy and Holyb Easter Triduum to you and your families, in the Living Faith of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus The Christ...........Fr.  Troy