As Catholics on Holy Thursday Evening we enter into the Triduum, the three day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ which comes to its glorious conclusion at the Easter Vigil. It is the most solemn period of the liturgical year for [...]]]>

Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011

As Catholics on Holy Thursday Evening we enter into the Triduum, the three day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ which comes to its glorious conclusion at the Easter Vigil. It is the most solemn period of the liturgical year for Christians.

The Triduum is filled with passion, the richness of God’s Word and powerful symbolic gestures that touch our hearts.

Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist, the establishment of the priesthood and the call to humble service mandated by our baptism. The gesture of the washing of the feet by the celebrant is called the “mandatum” (mandate), the call for all of us to wash the feet of others, to lay down our lives in service. The washing of the feet, which remembers Jesus’ deep love for His disciples, is not so much a “reenactment” as it is a call to service for all of us. A number of people of various ages and backgrounds in our parish community will be asked to participant in having their feet washed at the liturgy. This is both an honor and challenge to be asked. If asked to participate, please respond in the affirmative.

We will likewise be inviting people to spend time in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in the church until midnight on that evening. Please be sure to sign up for one hour in prayer for that evening.

Good Friday, April 22, 2011

The Triduum continues into Good Friday with the Liturgy of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ at 3 PM. This liturgy consists of Scripture, prayers for all of God’s people, the Veneration of the Cross and the reception of the Eucharist consecrated the night before at the Liturgy of Holy Thursday.

The Liturgy opens in silence as the priest and deacon prostrate themselves in silence before the altar. All kneel in union with the celebrants to express our sorrow and humble submission before our Lord.

At the veneration of the cross we all are invited to come forth to show our reverence to the cross of Jesus Christ upon which our salvation was won and God’s love was poured out. The custom is to genuflect and kiss the cross or make a bow. From the earliest of times the ritual included the priest celebrant removing his chasuble, removing his shoes and coming forth to reverence the cross. One is reminded of the word of God to Moses as he approached, encountering God in the burning bush as he was told to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground.  As we approach the cross we are surely touching holy ground.

In many parishes today the people are following the lead of the priest celebrant and removing their shoes as well. This is a striking gesture to acknowledge our encountering holy ground.

At St. Matthew’s this year we would like to encourage everyone to approach the holy ground of the cross by removing their shoes for the Veneration of the Cross.

Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 23, 2010 8PM

The Triduum ends with the most important and glorious of all Catholic liturgical celebrations, the Easter Vigil.

The Vigil consists of the lighting of the Easter fire outside and the lighting and procession of the Easter candle, an extended Liturgy of the Word.

This is the quintessential Liturgy and the model of all Sunday Eucharist throughout the year.

We encourage all RCIA “alumni” to participate as well as all adults and older children. The liturgy does last over two hours so it is not recommended for infants or very small children. It is a liturgy that will truly touch your heart and deepen your faith.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this [...]]]> Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may fast on one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.

GOOD FRIDAY April 22, 2011 Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion 3PM Living Stations 12 noon & 8PM

HOLY SATURDAY Apri123, 2011 Blessing of food: 12 noon Vigil Mass: 8PM

Fasting is to observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only [...]]]> Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years and older on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

Fasting is to observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted only if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.