The Easter Triduum

Dear Parishioners,

The Easter Triduum is a wonderful liturgical celebration. I have been involved in the liturgies of Holy Week since I was a boy. Most of the time I was serving. I would find it strange if I did not attend the services.

We begin Holy Week with Passion Sunday services. We process with palms remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Here at Sacred Heart, we will have processions from the Memorial Garden into the church at the 4:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday and the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday.

We then start the Triduum with the Holy Thursday celebrations. This begins at 7:00 p.m. We remember the institution of the Eucharist at this liturgy. The evening ends with prayer by the altar of repose until midnight.

Good Friday service begins at 3:00 p.m. and consists of Scripture, the Adoration of the Cross and distribution of Holy Communion. This is a rather stark liturgy, but it is also very inspiring as we remember the death of the Lord on the cross.

Holy Saturday we light the Easter fire, have a candlelight procession and celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation with our catechumens. This service starts at 8:30 p.m. as the sun sets. I invite everyone to come and welcome the new members joining our community of faith.

On Easter Sunday we renew our baptismal promises. I invite all our parishioners to prepare for this moment by attending all the Holy Week services.

Blessings,
Fr. Mark