Fr. Michael P. Sullivan, O.S.A, (Order of St. Augustine) will be coming to Holy Name of Mary Church in Montrose in April to present one of his special Lenten retreats.  Father Sullivan travels the country year-round providing parishes with unique and dynamic retreats.  We are indeed fortunate that he is able to come during Lent when Catholics are re-energizing themselves in the faith before the most important Christian holiday, Easter.

Fr. Michael P. Sullivan

Fr. Sullivan’s retreats are fun.  He has a great sense of humor and is easy to listen to, while reminding Catholics, and people who might be interested in Catholicism, about the faith.  Many people who are yearning for something special come away proud to be Catholic and smiling in their revived interest in God.  Catholics who have become lukewarm in their faith, young people who have not yet realized the depths of their faith, and people who are devoted Catholics all gain from his kindness, humor, and insights.  He has changed many lives.

Fr. Sullivan’s schedule (all in the Holy Name of Mary Church) is: April 1- 4:00 PM mass; April 2- 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM masses; April 3, 4, 5-9:00 AM masses; April 3, 4, 5- 6:30 PM Retreat.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) will be available on April 4 during the retreat with three priests available.

Fr. Philip Rayappan, pastor of Holy Name of Mary Church, will be available for confessions every Monday during Lent (March 20 and 27, April 3) from 5:30 PM to 6:45.  He can also hear confessions on Saturdays, from 3 to 3:30 PM and on First Friday between, 11:30 and noon.  Fr. Philip will hear confessions at any other time by appointment.

‘Stations of the Cross’ will be every Friday immediately following the 12:10 mass in the church throughout Lent.

Palms will be blessed and distributed at all of the masses on the weekend of Palm Sunday, April 8 and 9 (4 PM Saturday, 8 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday).

The Triduum services and masses are as follows:

• April 13- 7:00 PM Holy Thursday ‘Mass of the Lord’s Supper’;
  
  
• April 14- 12:00 Noon Good Friday Interdenominational ‘Carrying of the Cross’ from Holy Name of Mary to St. Paul’s Episcopal, then to the United Methodist Church, and finishing at the First Presbyterian Church.  People of all ages are invited to share in this special event.  Children like to help carry the cross.  Those Christians who are unable to walk the entire path can participate in one or more of the churches or even drive between the churches.
  
  
• April 14- 2:30 PM Good Friday ‘Stations of the Cross’ followed by the ‘Passion of the Lord’;
  
  
• April 15- 11:00 AM Fr. Philip will bless food baskets and children’s baskets;
  
  
• April 15- 8:00 PM Easter Vigil mass, with lighting of the Easter fire, blessing of the Paschal candle and Holy Water, and glorious music/choir fitting for this Holiest of Days;
  
  
• April 16- 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Easter Sunday masses.

All are welcome to attend any or all of these special Lenten and Easter events.