The Triduum of Easter commences with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night, a reminder of the institution of the Priesthood and the Eucharist.  This Mass concludes with the procession through the Church and the reposing of the Blessed Sacrament in the Altar of Repose (in the Sacristy) after midnight.  Until midnight you are asked to spend an hour in prayer in the Church just as Jesus asked his disciples to accompany him to the Garden of Olives and stay with him one hour.

Good Friday finds the Church bare and empty, to remind us of the absence of Jesus after his arrest and preparing for his death.  At 3:00 p.m. we will have the Way of the Cross and at 7:00 p.m., the Passion according to John is read followed by Veneration of the Cross and Communion Service.  This service concludes quietly with no recession.

The Easter Vigil anticipates the joy of Easter.  The 7:45 p.m. Vigil begins at dusk, outside the Church with the blessing of the Fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle that leads the congregation into a darkened Church.  The candle becomes the only source of light during the singing of the Exsultet, and the beginning of the first Old Testament Reading from Genesis speaking of creation.  Other Old Testament Readings remind us of the power of God (parting of the Red Sea) and of our baptismal vows to turn aside from evil and to do good.  These are followed by an Epistle and a Gospel selection.  It is at this Mass that Catechumens/Elect are received into the Church by Baptism or Profession of Faith.  The entire congregation also renews their baptism promises, renounces evil, and makes a Profession of Faith and then the congregation is sprinkled with the newly blessed Holy Water as a reminder of each one’s Baptism.

Apr 17:  Mass of Lord’s Supper with Washing of Feet, 7:00 p.m.

Apr 18:  Way of the Cross, 3:00 p.m.

Reading of Passion w/Veneration of the Cross, 7:00 p.m.

               Good Friday is a day of Fast and Abstinence

               Parish Office closed for Good Friday

Apr 19: Easter Vigil, Baptism & Profession of Faith, 7:45 p.m.

Apr 20: Easter Sunday Masses – 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

              Spanish Mass 2:00 p.m.

Apr 21:  Parish Office closed for Easter Monday