"These, then, are days which speak to us powerfully of God's love and mercy ." -Pope Francis

ST. CLARE OF ASSISI

This Holy Week we invite you to join us for three beautiful, symbolic and life-changing days! If you've never been to a Triduum liturgy, read on to find out more about the celebration of the Paschal Triduum.

HOLY THURSDAY

7:00 PM - MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Reception of the Holy Oils

The Washing of the Feet

Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament

The Mass of the Lord's Supper includes the reception of oils that Bishop Braxton blessed during the Chrism Mass. During the Liturgy of the Word, we recall the first Passover. The Gospel focuses on Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

After listening to the Scriptures, we wash each other's feet - an act of love and service and an example we are called to follow - as is the next thing we do, a collection for the poor.

The Eucharist is brought to a side tabernacle, where it is reserved for sharing at the Good Friday liturgy.

This evening liturgy has no dismissal, no ending, and there is no formal greeting tomorrow. On these three days we offer but one continuous liturgy. The altar is stripped of candles and cloth; statues are covered and vigil lights extinguished. You are encouraged to keep reflective silence when leaving the church tonight. All are invited to remain in the church for EUCHARISTIC ADORATION. 9:30 PM - NIGHT PRAYER

GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday is a day of both fasting and abstinence.

8:00 AM - MORNING PRAYER 3:00 PM - STATIONS OF THE CROSS

7:00 PM - CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION

On Good Friday, we recall Christ's passion and death. We gather in silence. There are no greetings, genuflections, or processions. The Passion of John is proclaimed. The second part of the liturgy is the Veneration of the Cross. We are invited to come forward and reverence the cross with a touch or a kiss. There is a simple Communion service with the Eucharist from Holy Thursday's liturgy. With no formal dismissal, we depart in silence to continue our quiet waiting and fasting for the Easter Vigil.

HOLY SATURDAY

8:00 AM - MORNING PRAYER

8:00 PM - THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT

The Service of Light

Reading of the Easter Proclamation

The Church gathers in darkness during which a great fire is blessed and the Paschal Candle is lit. We listen to some of our most powerful scriptures and raise our voices as we sing the Gloria and Alleluia!

Blessing of Baptismal Water

Baptism

Anointing with Chrism

We pray for all our saints to stand with us as we go to the font. After water in the font is blessed, we welcome those seeking full initiation in the Catholic Church and we renew our own baptismal promises. Together, we go to the table and celebrate the Easter Eucharist.

Following the Vigil, all are welcome to stay for a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

EASTER SUNDAY

MASSES 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! The Easter Sunday Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord is celebrated with great joy and music. We are sprinkled with water from the font that was blessed the night before. By this we remember our own baptism through which we share in Christ's own death and life. And so begins the fifty days of rejoicing! Easter egg hunt after each Mass.