Holy Week, the Triduum, and Easter

The Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) is typically observed with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the Liturgy of the Palms at 8:00 AM and at 10:00 AM. During Holy Week, the Holy Eucharist is celebrated daily.

A service of Tenebrae takes place on Wednesday evening in Holy Week. The name “Tenebrae” (Latin for ‘darkness’ or ‘shadows’) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (matins and lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week. Tenebrae uses psalms, scripture readings, canticles and light to create an extended meditation upon, and a dramatic prelude to the events in Jesus’ life between the Last Supper and the Resurrection.

The Maundy Thursday Liturgy begins the ancient Triduum, “Three Sacred Days.” The Holy Eucharist is celebrated on Thursday evening. The Maundy Thursday Eucharist represents the Last Supper. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the altar is stripped of all linens, candles, vessels, and books. The Blessed Sacrament is carried to the Altar of Repose where the Vigil of Watchful Prayer (“Could you not watch one hour with me?”) is maintained. Parishioners sign up to share in the keeping of the watch before the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The vigil is kept hour by hour from Maundy Thursday evening through the night until noon on Good Friday when the Good Friday Liturgy begins.

On Good Friday, the Liturgy begins at 12 noon, and includes the reading of the Passion, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament.

The Great Vigil of Easter is celebrated on Saturday evening. This service consists of four parts: the Service of Light with the lighting of the New Fire and the blessing of the Paschal Candle; the Service of Lessons; the Service of Christian Initiation or Baptism; and the Holy Eucharist. It is customary to bring bells to this service.

The Celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord, Easter Day, is held at 8:00 AM and at 10:00 AM on Easter Day. The 8:00 AM Mass is said according to the Book of Common Prayer, Rite One.

The 10:00 Mass is sung according to the Book of Common Prayer, Rite Two. The Liturgy is resplendent with lilies, special organ and choral music, a solemn procession, and traditional hymns filled with allelulias.