Queen of Heaven marks Holy Week, Divine Mercy Sunday with special services

Queen of Heaven Catholic Church observed the Triduum and Divine Mercy Sunday with a series of services highlighting key moments of the Christian faith.

Holy Week began April 2 with the Lord’s Supper Mass on Holy Thursday, where 12 parishioners had their feet washed, including the first by Pastor David Durkee, assisted by Deacon Steve Makara and Deacon-in-training Jon Woost. The ritual commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his apostles.

On Good Friday, about 100 people participated in the “Way of the Cross,” an outdoor Stations of the Cross event that followed a path to the Calvary Crucifix. Led by Durkee, participants stopped at each station to pray, using a guide created as part of an Eagle Scout project.

The Easter Vigil Mass on April 4 marked a significant milestone for several parishioners, as four catechumens and six candidates were welcomed as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church following months of preparation through the parish’s OCIA program.

The observances concluded April 12 with a Divine Mercy Sunday service, where parishioners gathered to reflect on the Divine Mercy devotion and venerate an image of Christ based on the vision of St. Maria Faustina.