Triduum, meaning “three days”, marks the beginning of the great Paschal mystery – Christ’s death, burial and his resurrection. It begins at sundown on Holy Thursday and is one continuous rite which concludes with the Easter Vigil, the heart and core of the Church year. The Church encourages us to participate in the full celebration of the Triduum by our presence at the Easter Vigil.
Holy Week Schedule:
MONDAY (April 14) 7pm – Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica
TUESDAY (April 15) 8:15 am – Mass
WEDNESDAY (April 16) 8:15 am – Mass
HOLY THURSDAY (April 17) 7pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
following Mass – 10pm – Adoration and Confessions
The Liturgy on Holy Thursday begins in the evening and marks the entry into the Easter Triduum. The Mass of the Last Supper celebrates the institution of the Eucharist. However, the gospel reading from John recounts Jesus washing the apostles’ feet. In imitation of Jesus’ example of love and service, the priest also washes the feet of twelve people. Following the communion rite, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in solemn procession to a special place reserved for it. We are invited to spend some time in adoration which continues until 10pm. The altar is stripped, plants are removed from the sanctuary and the sanctuary lamp is extinguished. The great Paschal Vigil has begun.
GOOD FRIDAY (April 18)
3pm – Lord’s Passion Liturgy
This day we gather at the very hour which Tradition tells us Jesus died on the Cross. The central act of worship on Good Friday is the liturgy of the Lord’s Passion as told by the apostle John. There is no Mass but Holy Communion is distributed from Hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. The prayer after Communion concludes the service and we leave in silence to continue our preparation for Christ’s resurrection through prayer and fasting. Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence.
7:00pm – Stations of the Cross
HOLY SATURDAY (April 19)
During Holy Saturday, all is quiet in the Church with no services; the tabernacle door is open as we wait for Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb. When darkness falls, we gather to light the sacred fire, to bless the candle which is marked with the symbols of the year and with nails representing Christ’s wounds. The readings trace the history of God’s covenant with his people and the wonderful things he has done for us. With joy and thanksgiving we approach the Table of the Lord to receive his Body and Blood.
8:30pm – EASTER VIGIL
EASTER SUNDAY (April 20) 10:30 am – Mass of Resurrection
Easter brings new life and hope through the resurrection of Jesus. However, the celebration does not stop there. Christ’s resurrection was a sign of new beginnings – new hope, new life. Easter does not end on Easter Sunday; rather, it continues for 50 days and culminates at Pentecost.
