On Sunday, the Catholic churches of Natchez — Holy Family, St. Mary and Assumption — will worship together for the first time in a glorious Palm Sunday celebration.

The entire Miss-Lou community is invited to join in that service.

One of Christianity’s holiest days, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the final week in the life of Jesus. It commemorates His triumphant arrival in the holy city of Jerusalem to observe Passover.

Scattering palm branches in His path, the crowd welcomed Him as their Messiah or Savior. According to the gospels, the locals honored Him in this way while singing joyfully, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week, the time during which people around the world remember the pain of Christ’s sacrifice — His betrayal, arrest, trial and torture on the Cross — and the joy of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Those attending the service will meet at 9:45 a.m. to join in the procession from the Callon courtyard to the Natchez City Auditorium, where the service will convene at 10 a.m.

Anyone who requires assistance or chooses not to walk in the procession may drive directly to the front door of the auditorium, where help will be provided.

Anyone who needs babysitting services can find supervised babysitting at St. Theresa Hall on the lower level of St. Mary Basilica.

Inside the mass, members from each parish, as well as St. Anne Church of Fayette, will participate in the liturgy.

Palm branches will be blessed and distributed to the audience, who will wave them in honor of the triumphant Christ.

His word will be proclaimed. The people will raise their voices in prayer and joyous song, praising Jesus, the Messiah, in much the same way that Jerusalem glorified Him so long ago. Holy Family and St. Mary choirs, directed by Alvin Shelby and Patrick Doherty, respectively, will lead the congregation in song. Everyone is welcome to come and share in this memorable experience in anticipation of Easter 2009.

Take advantage of the chance to seriously reflect on the last events of Christ’s life on earth. Meditate on the agony of His passion and the true meaning of His resurrection.

“Hosanna to the Son of David.

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the Highest.”

Clemie Billups is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.