Today marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The official name for today’s liturgy is  Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. We begin a week of weeks, called Holy Week which culminates in the TRIDUUM. The word Triduum means “three days.” It is the most solemn feast in the Catholic Church. With sunset Wednesday Lent concludes, and the Triduum begins. Because we celebrate the events of Redemption, we understand that Eternity is breaking into our world.

Lent began with the sobering reality of dust and reminder that we are caught in time. Death looms over us, but beginning Holy Thursday time stops because of the life saving events of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. It is “three days in one.”

Holy Thursday: No Masses are permitted till evening except for the Mass, called the Chrism Mass, celebrated by our Bishop, priests and deacons at the cathedral. At this Mass we celebrate the priesthood of Jesus Christ with the renewal of priestly commitment by the Bishop and his presbyters (priests). The oils (Sacred Chrism, Oil of Catechumens, and Oil of the Sick) used by them is blessed for the Easter Vigil and the rest of the year. Designated parishioners will pick up the blessed oil which will be received at the parish mass that evening. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the parish on Holy Thursday evening. This Mass commemorates the Washing of Feet as recorded in John’s Gospel. The Mass does not conclude. The Eucharist is removed, and placed in the chapel where it will remain till midnight while the church sits in watch, keeping vigil—staying awake. 

Good Friday: The church building is empty, tomb-like. Between 12 noon and 3 pm, the church keeps a holy silence, as it commemorates the “Silencing of the Lamb.” At 1:30 pm the parish begins the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord. No masses are celebrated on Good Friday.  We feature the plain, wooden cross, and make a connection with it through touch.  This cross is our cross.  Eucharist, consecrated at the Holy Thursday Mass, is distributed. This service is not concluded.  The church building returns to its tomb-like state, and cannot be used till we gather again at the tomb to begin the final part of the Triduum.

EASTER VIGIL: The bishop designates the time at which the Easter Vigil begins, the sun must be set. We enter into the third day gathering in the cold and dark to experience the coming of Light, the rising of the Son! The Paschal Candle is carved, blessed and lit. From the fire of this candle everyone receives flame. Carrying candles the entire church walks into the darkened church building. With our candles flickering, the church comes alive with light culminating with the singing of the Exsultet, an ancient hymn. Extended readings are proclaimed tracing the journey of faith that has brought us to this moment of Resurrection. Following the Gospel and Homily, our attention turns to the waters of Baptism where life in Christ begins. Those entering the church or completing their initiation into the church through Confirmation celebrate their life with us. With the sacraments of initiation completed, we prepare for the ultimate sacrament Eucharist. The act of communion is where we share the resurrected body of Christ raised in his people.