Introduction
Holy Week will look different again this year, due to the pandemic. Unlike last year, some of us will be able to gather at the parish to celebrate these special days. The services will be live-streamed for those who cannot join in person. On this page, we offer resources for your household to observe and celebrate these days that are so significant in the lives of all Christians throughout the world.
Holy Week will look different again this year, due to the pandemic. Unlike last year, some of us will be able to gather at the parish to celebrate these special days. The services will be live-streamed for those who cannot join in person. On this page, we offer resources for your household to observe and celebrate these days that are so significant in the lives of all Christians throughout the world.
Palm Sunday
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. At this Mass, we usually gather outside (weather permitting) before Mass and hear the gospel reading about Jesus' triumphant arrival in Jerusalem for the Passover. Like the people in the story, we wave palm branches and sing our Hosannas. Because we read the gospel account of Jesus' passion and death, the linens in the church and the priest's vestments are red. We depart mindful that we will commemorate the week leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection.
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Keep Holy Week Holy.
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Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is the first day of the Triduum (which means "three days"). On Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of the apostles in a beautiful example of service. We also commemorate the Last Supper as the first time that Jesus shared Eucharist with his followers. We end the Mass with a procession with the Eucharist and a time of quiet prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The priest's vestments are white, as this is a significant celebration in our calendar.
Some Christians call this day "Maundy Thursday." The word "maundy" comes from the Latin word meaning "to command." After Jesus washes the feet of his apostles, in a demonstration of humble service, he commands them - and us - to do the same. We are called to serve one another.
Some Christians call this day "Maundy Thursday." The word "maundy" comes from the Latin word meaning "to command." After Jesus washes the feet of his apostles, in a demonstration of humble service, he commands them - and us - to do the same. We are called to serve one another.
You can print and use this notebook page for your children to color the last supper picture, they can also add pictures or sentences of the things they hear in the reading. Full instructions are found here: https://www.catholicicing.com/holy-week-notebooking-pages/
Good Friday
On Good Friday, we remember Jesus' death on the cross. The priest's vestments are red. After the Holy Thursday liturgy, the altar and the church are "stripped." We take out everything that can be removed to remind us of the solitude of the cross and the emptiness of the world without Jesus. Good Friday is the only day in the year when Catholics do not celebrate Mass. The Good Friday service consists of:
We depart in silence after Communion, with the tabernacle standing open -- empty. We go home to watch and wait for what is to come.
- Liturgy of the Word, including the reading of the Passion from John's Gospel
- Solemn Intercessions, which are a longer form of the Prayers of the Faithful, handed down from ancient times -- along with Catholics worldwide, we pray for the needs of the Church and the world
- Adoration of the Cross, in which we show some sign of reverence for the cross as we recall Jesus' ultimate self-giving
- Holy Communion is offered using hosts consecrated the previous day
We depart in silence after Communion, with the tabernacle standing open -- empty. We go home to watch and wait for what is to come.
Easter VIGIL
We continue to watch and wait throughout the day on Saturday, remembering the death of Jesus. For our Jewish ancestors, the day ends when the sun goes down. We wait until darkness has fallen on this day, and then we celebrate the greatest feast of our Church year -- Easter! There are many things we do during the Easter Vigil that are only done once a year. We light a fire and use it to light the Easter candle. We bless the candle and use it to bless the waters of new life that will be used for baptisms and renewal of our baptismal promises. We sing the Gloria as we ring the bells, and we sing Alleluia again, after 40 days of abstaining from that joyful refrain. We hear more Scripture readings than usual, as we recall the great story of God's covenant with us. We often celebrate adult baptisms on this night.
The church that was stripped bare is awash in light and color, flowers and other symbols of new life, as we celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death. The linens and vestments are white again, signifying the most solemn of feasts. We celebrate into the night, amazed at the boundless love and mercy of our gracious God who will never let suffering and death have the final say.
The church that was stripped bare is awash in light and color, flowers and other symbols of new life, as we celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death. The linens and vestments are white again, signifying the most solemn of feasts. We celebrate into the night, amazed at the boundless love and mercy of our gracious God who will never let suffering and death have the final say.
Easter
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! So we proclaim on Easter Sunday and throughout the 50 days of the Easter season. This is our high feast, our high season as Catholic Christians. God reigns over sin and death, and we rejoice in God's abundant love and mercy. Watch for Easter season resources to be posted on the April section of this website soon.
