What is it that we do during Holy Week? What are the rituals that we take part in?
Holy Week begins on Palm (Passion) Sunday, which this year falls on 14th April. Here, Jesus’ triumphant entry in to Jerusalem is joined to the proclamation of the Passion.
On Tuesday night, the whole diocesan community celebrates the Chrism Mass at which the Holy Chrism (used in Baptism and Confirmation) is consecrated and oils are blessed. These are then shared with the parishes.
The next ritual in the week is the Sacred Triduum. It is one liturgy, one celebration, that begins on Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, continues through Good Friday with Passion of the Lord and reaches it’s climax with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. There is only one ‘Sunday Mass’ celebrated on Easter Sunday.
This week looks different to the usual pattern of celebration in our Church because it is different! “In the Sacred Triduum, the Church solemnly celebrates the greatest mysteries of our redemption…” – From the Missal
What does this look like for our community?
Tues 16 Apr: Chrism Mass, 7pm at the Cathedral
Sacred Triduum
- Thu 18 Apr: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7pm
- Fri 19 Apr: Passion of the Lord at 3pm
- Sat 20 Apr: Easter Vigil at 7pm
Easter Sunday 21 April: Mass at 8am