The Liturgies of Holy Week

Holy Week is the culmination of the liturgical year. During these holy days, the liturgy will lead us, with Jesus, to the depths and to the heights.

It begins with a harsh juxtaposition, as we carry palms in remembrance of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and then listen to the Passion according to Matthew, as the King is handed over for crucifixion. Then, on Holy Thursday, we remember the night Jesus was handed over—the night he gave himself for us and to us, to live in our midst forever in the sacrament of his Body and Blood. On Good Friday, we touch with our hands the mystery of the Lord’s cross, the instrument of torture that has become the tree of life.

Then, at the great Easter Vigil, the lighting of the paschal candle speaks to us of the triumph of light over darkness, of life over death. The resurrection of the Lord becomes a living reality in our midst as the catechumens for whom the Church has prayed throughout Lent are plunged into the mystery of Christ’s death and share in the glory of his resurrection. These are indeed holy days, the culmination of the Church’s liturgy, and an invitation to participate in the very life of Christ. Come, let us worship.

—Corinna Laughlin, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Please note:

• There will be no 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Masses on Saturday, April 8th.
• There will be no Reconciliation on Saturday, April 8th, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• There will be no 11:00 a.m. daily Mass on April 5th, 6th, and 7th.
• A second collection will be taken on Good Friday during the Veneration of the Cross to help Christians in the Holy Land.