Where does one begin to capture in words the power and beauty of the liturgical celebrations of the Holy Week/Easter triduum? I find myself "distracted" these days with memories of the various rituals and symbols that marked these days.

I had the privilege of celebrating these sacred days with the parish community at St. Thomas More University Parish in Bowling Green and with the two sisters with whom I live.  We began our celebration on Thursday with a seder meal for which we joined about 70 of the parishioners. It was a wonderful opportunity to remember and celebrate our Jewish roots and the richness of our early faith. Following this meal, we gathered in Church for the Mass of the Lord's Supper. No matter how often I witness the washing of the feet, it always brings home in a new way our call to humble service. Our adoration time after Mass found us spending intimate time with Jesus in His agony.

Friday's stations and veneration of the cross placed us in the midst of a drama that, although repeated, never seems to grow old. I was especially struck by the young children who approached the cross and kissed it. How truly grateful I am for the parents who lovingly pass on the faith.

Perhaps the most powerful symbol of the Easter Vigil for me this year was the procession of parishioners who came forward during the Litany of the Saints and poured pitchers of water into the baptismal font in preparation for the baptisms. Somehow, I knew clearly the connection between the Saints on whom we were calling and the catechumens awaiting entrance into our Church. And I stood in the middle, along with many college age students whose faith and openness to God always inspires me.

Sunday's celebration of Easter joy found us singing resounding Alleluia's and reflecting the newly confirmed faith of the apostles and the women at the tomb. I love that the Church has us celebrate Easter for 50 days -- it's too much to take it all in to last just 24 hours!

Two overall "Easter reflections:"

1) I am so grateful for my faith community: the children who bring a wide-eyed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn the faith, the young college students whose enthusiasm is marked by an intense desire to know Jesus, the adult parishioners whose enthusiasm knows the steadiness of daily lived fidelity, my sisters in community whose enthusiasm reminds me of the precious gift of our call and commitment, the priests and deacons whose enthusisam is a generous gift of themselves that we might be drawn closer to Christ.

2) The intensity of the celebrations of the Holy Week/Easter celebrations is only the beginning. I am gratefully amazed that each and every day we are called to celebrate Eucharist -- the incredible and infinite gift of our God's love.