St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church

13091 Galway Street

Garden Grove, CA. 92844

(714) 537-0604

4/1/09

Dear Parish Family,

We will soon begin our journey into the mystery of Holy Week, the time in which we enter and step into the intersection between God, and God’s redemption for humanity.  Palm Sunday is next Sunday.  We will begin our worship waving palm branches in joyful celebration of the arrival of the Messiah to Jerusalem, only to end the liturgy in the shadow of the crucifixion.  As we enter the events of Holy Week, we will celebrate Maundy Thursday, reliving the act of humility our Lord performed through the washing of the feet of his disciples, and we will leave the church in utter darkness after the stripping of the altar.  The Good Friday Cross Walk will be observed in conjunction with the churches of Garden Grove beginning at noon.   Our focus on Good Friday will be on the crucifixion.   Good Friday is a day of fasting in our church calendar so I encourage all to fast, if you are able to, at least until sundown.  Good Friday marks a day of deep darkness and redemptive love, and as our story of faith unfolds, we are re-assured through the celebration of the Great Vigil of Easter, that the power of life is stronger than the power of death.  Love wins over evil.  Please check our calendar on the opposite page for dates and times.

As we approach our Easter Celebration I ask that we be generous in our giving this year.  An envelope has been enclosed.  Our pledges are behind to the tune of $2000.00 and our Kelly Evangelism Trust Fund lost over $70,000.00 in 2008.   I’ve never raised financial matters during an Easter letter but this is one year, due to extremely difficult economic times, when more than ever we need a sign of Easter in our finances.  Please be generous. 

As we prepare for the Easter celebration it is my prayer that this Lenten journey may have prepared us well for Easter.  With Holy Week upon us, we still have time to be still and be with God, enter God’s presence, and be led by the Spirit to the joy of his grace.  May the Easter holiday bring you much joy along with your family and friends, and the hope of God’s reign for a beautiful world based on God’s peace, justice, dignity, and love.

Happy Easter,

Wilfredo Benitez+

The Rev. Wilfredo Benitez,

Rector