Holy Week is the most important one of the church year. Beginning on Palm Sunday, we worship, pray, and drink deeply of the God’s great show of love for us in Christ’s sacrifice.
The Triduum is really one large service held over three days: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday culminating in the Easter Vigil.
This leads us to the triumphal celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on easter through which we have life in him.
Thursday, April 2
Triduum: Part I
7:00pm (with incense, Livestreamed)
This day marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, Latin for “the great three days,” which ends with the Easter Vigil on Saturday. Maundy means “commandment” and this service remembers Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples where he instituted the Eucharistic feast and gave them the “new commandment” to “love one another as I have loved you.” The high altar is stripped and washed by the priests after the reserved Sacrament is taken in procession to the Altar of Repose in the chapel.
Th, Apr 2-Fr, Apr 3
Prayer Vigil:
Thurs, 9:00pm - Fri, 12:00n
We watch at the Altar of Repose where the reserved sacrament is placed after the Maundy Thursday evening Eucharist. We respond to our Lord’s question to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40).
Click here to download a PDF of the “Holy Hour” prayer guide
Friday, April 3
Triduum: Part II
The Great Liturgy of the Passion
12:00n (with reserve sacrament, Livestreamed)
7:00pm (without reserve sacrament)
This is The Great Liturgy of the Passion where the cross over the altar is draped in black and which includes the dramatic reading of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion according to John. The service also leads us through solemn prayers dating back to the 4th century, the procession of the cross, and a time devotion at its feet.
Saturday, April 4
Proper Liturgy for Holy Saturday
9:00am
This short liturgy invites us to join with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “We hoped He was the one to redeem Israel.” We all know that sense of utter confusion. This is the awful reality of Holy Saturday. Jesus’ body is in the tomb. Our Lord is dead. It is dark. We are tempted to fear all hope is gone. Join us as we turn to the Lord in such times of despair.
Saturday, April 4
Triduum: Part III
7:00pm (with incense, Livestreamed)
The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the most significant and profound liturgies in the Christian Tradition. In this service, we light the new fire to dispel the darkness, and from that fire the Paschal Candle is lit and carried through the darkened Church; from it, other candles are lit. We sing ancient chants declaring Christ’s victory over sin, darkness, and death. As the darkness flees before the Light of Christ, we remember the grand narrative of God’s salvation story as Scripture is read and we respond with song. Finally, we end our long Lenten fast with the Great Acclamation: “Alleluia, the Lord is risen indeed!” Our Easter celebration begins a glorious celebration of the Eucharist with Baptisms and the renewal of baptismal vows.
Sunday, April 5
Holy Eucharist
8:00am (spoken)
10:30am (with music and incense, Livestreamed)
The principal Easter Day service is a Mass that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with the flowering of the cross, one of our cherished traditions at All Saints. We watch the somber wooden cross of Good Friday as it is adorned with the glorious hope-filled blooms of Easter. Now we shout “Alleluia!” once again. This is our great celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The remaining darkness of Easter Vigil is dispelled by the bright sunlight of our Easter Day Mass!
Join us for brunch in the Parish Hall immediately following the celebration!