Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, a distinct liturgy that begins with a Gospel reading of Jesus’s journey to Jerusalem at the entrance of the worship space. Those attending the service receive palms, a reminder of Scripture telling us that people welcomed Jesus by laying down their cloaks and waving palm branches (John 12:13). Palm… Continue reading * Palm Sunday *
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. On this day, we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into the city. It is a time to remember the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Holy Week is a time for great joy and celebration. It is a time to… Continue reading * HOLY WEEK *
Holy Thursday begins the Easter Triduum–the three days leading up to Jesus’ Resurrection. Its formal name is Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which was the first celebration of the Eucharist. This liturgy includes the reception of the Holy Oils, in which the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism are… Continue reading * Holy Thursday *
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, commonly known as Good Friday, is the only day in the entire year in which no Mass is celebrated. It’s a solemn day that calls for fasting and abstinence. Stations of the Cross are popular on Good Friday. The main service on Good Friday features no procession. The Passion… Continue reading * Good Friday *
The Mass on Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil, though its full reference on the USCCB schedule of daily reading is “Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter.” This is the most unique and perhaps most important liturgy of the year. The Easter… Continue reading * Easter Vigil – Holy Saturday *
