Practice makes perfect

In the coming days, we will celebrate the Triduum of Easter. Once the day dawns tomorrow, all the preparation will be finished (we hope) and all that will remain will be making it happen. Actually there is still work to be done, questions to be asked and answered, responsibilities to be delegated and roles to be defined, but in the end, the celebrations will all have a beauty which will speak to hearts and minds alike.

This evening, there were two groups here to prepare for these coming days.

Children will lead the liturgy on Good Friday morning. A group of them were here tonight to practice, to arrange their roles and to sort out the numerous details of making a liturgy like this come alive. It's always a learning experience to work on these preparations (both for children and for adults). By the time the practice was complete, some major decisions had been made and some of the plans had been changed. Still, when the time comes, it will be a great opportunity for children to lead adults as they direct the telling of the story of the first Good Friday.

For the past year or so, there have been a number of individuals asking questions about our faith and learning about our Church. Tonight, the majority of them were here for the last gathering before the beginning of the Easter Triduum. In a session that looked more like an elementary school show and tell, these adults were invited to examine up close some of the objects, containers and other tangible pieces that are used on a regular basis for the celebration of liturgies. This is a rare opportunity indeed, especially considering the fact that most of those who come to pray here never do get the chance to see these things up close, much less to ask questions about their usage.

Tomorrow evening, some of these adults will partake in the traditional liturgical gesture of washing feet. They have all been invited to partake in the liturgies this weekend, so that they may better appreciate the power of these most beautiful and poignant gatherings.