Church celebrates Easter in transitional home in tent, and at East Coweta High

Christians throughout the world began their special observances of Holy Week with Palm Sunday services during which blessed palms were distributed. At Saint Mary Magdalene’s Catholic Church in Sharpsburg, palms were blessed and then given to parishioners as they gathered outside their worship space before Mass on Sunday. At present, that worship space is the cafeteria of East Coweta High School, fondly labeled the “chapelteria.” Masses are on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.

This year the parish family moves from its legendary Tin Barn which was removed for the construction of its first church. The venue for this year is a large tent, 30 x 60 feet, that has been erected on the parish grounds.

It will be readied with chairs, sound, lighting, Easter banners and lilies.

The most sacred days of the “Triduum,” the three holiest days of the Christian year, will be celebrated at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church as the parish celebrates the three special liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. All three liturgies culminate in the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.

On Holy Thursday, the liturgy focuses on the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ. The feet of twelve parishioners will be washed by Father Dan Fleming, pastor of the young parish. The “Mandatum” rite is a sign of service. As Mass concludes, the alter will be stripped and the Eucharist carried in procession to the parish chapel for adoration.

Good Friday’s worship centers on the crucifixion of Christ, the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. It is a somber day for the Catholic parish, including reading of the Passion as Jesus travels to Calvary and his death on the cross. All attending venerate the cross, a symbol of the one on which Christ died. On Good Friday afternoon, stations of the cross will be said at 3 p.m. on the parish property, or in the chapel, depending on the weather.

The Easter Vigil, known also as Holy Saturday, is a day of great joy and celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. New Catholics will be welcomed into the Church with special rites of baptism and confirmation. The baptistry will again be the old bathtub once found on the property, now draped with white fabric and surrounded by Easter lilies, the flower of the Resurrection.

The Vigil begins in the parish field in darkness as the congregation silently stands around a bonfire that represents the Light of Christ emerging from the darkness of the tomb. A five foot Easter candle is lit and carried into the worship areas as parishioner’s candles are lit one by one. The Mass is one of great celebration, music and pageantry.

Holy Thursday’s Mass and Good Friday’s services will be held at 7 p.m. The Easter Vigil begins at 8:30 p.m. Saint Mary Magdalene is located at 4046 Lower Fayetteville Road near the intersection of Highway 154. Special parking will be permitted in the brand new parking areas of the parish’s first Church, now under construction.

On Easter morning, Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at East Coweta High School, 400 McCollum-Sharpsburg Rd. (Hwy. 154).

Father Fleming said it was “an exciting time for the entire parish as we observe these days of such great significance to the Christian world. We are certainly a pilgrim people on our journey to Christ.”

The public is welcome for all services.

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