The Paschal Triduum is nearly upon us. From the evening of Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, the events of this week prove the masterpiece of God’s saving act. Each day bursts at the seams with deep significance of the love that Jesus displays most vividly on the cross. We invite you to join our schools in making the most of this sacred week.
Holy Thursday
On the night of Maundy Thursday, we remember Christ’s institution of the Eucharist Passover, his role as servant while washing the feet of his disciples, and the institution of the new priesthood.
St. Mary’s School in Spring Lake will prepare an “upper room” like the original mentioned in the four gospel accounts. At Sacred Heart Academy, 12th graders will take after the example of the servant Lord by serving lunch to the younger high school students and the pastor will wash the feet of 12 students.
Following Passover, Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives where the Lord was betrayed with a kiss and arrested. After Holy Thursday Mass, parishes strip the altar bare and remove the Eucharist from the tabernacle, symbolizing that the bridegroom has been taken away. This lends to the tradition of the “night watch,” in which we can visit different churches to pray with the Lord who temporarily dwells on the “altar of repose.” See your church bulletin for opportunities to join in the night watch.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the most solemn day of the year. We recall that Jesus went to the limits of human suffering out of his astounding love for us. Churches will gather for the Passion liturgy and meditate on the Stations of the Cross throughout the afternoon and evening.
K-8 students at All Saints Academy will make the 2.3 mile-walk from the elementary campus on Diamond Ave to the middle school campus on Four Mile Road in keeping with their traditional Via Dolorosa commemoration, reflecting Christ’s path from his place of condemnation to the crucifixion on Mt. Calvary.
Holy Saturday
On Saturday, we continue with an attitude of repentance and reverence of the Lord’s Passion, but with a greater anticipation of the imminent celebration. Some parishes will gather for the blessing of food and Easter baskets to prepare for the feast to come.
Easter Vigil
At this point, the Triduum gives way to the miracle of Easter. The Easter Vigil, celebrated at nightfall on Saturday, is the solemnity of all solemnities. We experience the darkness of the crucifixion overcome by the lighting of the Easter candle, and we hear the glorious news of the Resurrection proclaimed. This year, our parishes anticipate welcoming 183 catechumens and 241 candidates into full communion with the Church. Praise the Lord!
Easter Sunday
The Easter Vigil ushers in Easter Sunday, the most important day of the Christian calendar. We celebrate the event which serves as the foundation of our lives and offers powerful testimony of Christ’s triumph over death. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:14).
See here for a complete list of Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass times. Together is where we belong!