Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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Wednesday, April 16, 2003 |
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St. Mary Magdalene's 'tin barn' provides unique setting for Holy Week activities St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Mission will celebrate the days of Holy Week, the "Triduum," within the young missions' present worship location in an old tin barn on 40 acres on Lower Fayetteville Road in Coweta County. Father Dan Fleming, administrator of St. Mary's said the congregation was excited about the "wondrous liturgies we will share in our very own 'outdoor cathedral.'" Events begin on Holy Thursday at 7:30 p.m., marking the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ. It also is viewed as the anniversary of the institution of the priesthood. The liturgy includes the washing of feet of 12 parishioners as a sign of service. As the Mass ends, the altar is stripped and the Eucharist is taken from the worship area in procession to the mission chapel in silent adoration until midnight. The Good Friday Mass, also at 7:30 p.m., centers on the crucifixion and includes the reading of the passion of Jesus, following his journey to Calvary, and his death on the cross. Participants venerate the cross, symbolic of the one on which Jesus died. The Easter Vigil, also known as Holy Saturday, will be celebrated at 8:30 p.m. and is a celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. Ten new Catholics will be welcomed into the church in special rites of baptism and confirmation. The sacrament will be received using an old bathtub draped with white cloth. The Easter Vigil begins in darkness in the mission field as the congregation gathers to witness the lighting of a bonfire, symbolizing the light of Christ coming out of the darkness of the tomb. The Easter candle is lit from the fire and parishioners' candles are each lit, one by one, as they file in procession to the worship area. A reception for the new Catholics will be held in the mission offices following the Mass. The St. Mary Magdalene choir will perform a special musical program under the direction of Paul Bauer. The barn has been readied with monastic seating, extra chairs, lighting, a sound system and banners. The dirt floors have been raked smooth. The congregation invites the community to join them in their unusual setting for the celebration of Easter. Parking will be available in the fields and pastures surrounding the barn. Sunday morning Mass will be celebrated in a more traditional setting at East Coweta High School on Ga. Hwy. 154 at 10 a.m. |
