Dear people of St. Catherine’s,
You are all invited to walk with Christ through the liturgies of Holy Week. Each year we are given the opportunity to participate in this great holy drama, remembering Christ’s passion and resurrection.
We begin with Palm Sunday and then continue with the Sacred Triduum – the three great liturgies which are actually one long liturgy with long pauses in between – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter.
On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ gift of himself to the church, and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. Then we watch as the altar is stripped, symbolizing his betrayal and desolation.
On Good Friday we come to the church that is stripped of all adornment – we come to the foot of the cross, watching with Mary and John as Jesus is crucified.
At 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Eve of Easter, we will begin
The Great Vigil of Easter – the first service of Easter, and the most important liturgy of the entire church year. The Vigil is cosmic in scope – beginning in darkness with the lighting of the Paschal Fire, continuing in candlelight with the Exsultet, the great Resurrection Chant, and ending in the Alleluias of Easter and the first Eucharist of Easter.
The Vigil is Fire – Chant – Stories of God’s Saving Acts – Water (Baptism and renewal of our baptismal vows) – the first Alleluias of Easter – The Word – Feast.
The Church invites you, and I encourage you, to take advantage of this great opportunity. I can promise you that when you journey through the Sacred Triduum, from the Last Supper through the Cross to the Resurrection, your experience of Easter will be deepened and enriched. I wish for all of you the gifts of Holy Week and the Blessings and Joy of the Easter Season.
In Christ,
Mother Susan+