Schedule for Holy Week and Easter

Monday, April 2nd – Celebration of the Chrism Mass
It is the tradition of the Church for the Bishop to gather the priests
of the diocese during Holy Week and celebrate the Chrism Mass.
During this Mass the sacred oils will be blessed by the Bishop. At
this Mass the priests of the diocese renew their commitment to
the priesthood. This year the Chrism Mass will take place on
Monday evening at 5:00 PM in the Cathedral of Saints Peter
& Paul. Everyone in the diocese is invited to attend this liturgy. It
is a very beautiful experience and well worth the time and effort.

The Sacred Triduum

The three-day celebration that culminates in Easter is called the
Sacred Triduum. These are the holiest of days for all who share
the Christian faith. There is no finer experience of the meaning
and depth of our faith than these three celebrations. I sincerely
encourage everyone to come and be part of these celebrations.

Holy Thursday (April 5th)

7:30 PM – The Mass of the Lord’s Supper
followed by adoration in Mary’s Chapel until
midnight. During this Mass we recall the Lord
washing the feet of His disciples as an example
of love and service, and the institution of the
Eucharist.

Good Friday (April 6th)

3:00 PM – Stations of the Cross

3:30 to 4:30 PM – Confessions

7:30 PM – Solemn Liturgy of the Passion & Death
of the Lord

The dramatic presentation of the Passion
precedes the veneration of the cross. The liturgy
concludes with the reception of Communion.

Holy Saturday (April 7th)

8:00 PM – The Easter Vigil **

This is the most solemn and beautiful of
all the Church’s liturgies. During this
liturgy we renew the vows of our own
baptism and so enter into the mystery
of Easter.

Easter Sunday (April 8th)

8:30 AM – Mass

10:00 AM – Mass

11:30 AM – Mass

** A brief note. Sometimes people complain about the
darkness of the church when arriving for this celebration. The
church is supposed to be in darkness that symbolizes the
darkness of death. It is the light of Christ rising from the dead
that breaks in upon this darkness. Second, it is important that as
you enter the building that you take a few moments to let your
eyes adjust. This will help in moving about the church. The
ushers are also equipped with flashlights to assist anyone having
difficulty finding their way.