Description of Masses

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday Mass is “ The Evening Mass of The Lord’s Supper”. At this Mass the Priest washes the feet of twelve people as did Jesus wash the feet of his 12 apostles. After the Mass and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight. This represents the time Christ spent praying in the Garden of Gethsemani following the Last Supper. All are encouraged and invited to spend some time in prayer. We will have guided prayer from 11:00 to midnight.

Good Friday

Good Friday’s service “ The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion” As no Mass can take place from Holy Thursday until the Easter Vigil, this is a simple Communion Service with Veneration of the Cross. During the Veneration of the Cross the faithful come forward to the cross where they can kiss the cross and venerate. This year everyone is invited to venerate the cross during the service. A collection will be taken during this service with the total offering being sent to help defray the costs of maintain the Holy places of our Lord’s life in the Holy Land.

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

This is the most solemn Mass of the entire Church Year, where the Paschal candle is blessed, new members of the Church are fully initiated, and we renew our Baptism Promises. It is a tremendously festive celebration. If you have never attended an Easter Vigil, it is well worth the experience.

Other Easter Events

Chrism Mass

St. Mary’s Cathedral, 7:30 p.m. Monday March 17. Our Bishop invites all priests and people of the Diocese to share with him in the Blessings of Oils that will be used in the administration of the Sacraments for the coming year.

Outdoor Way of The Cross

Parishioners are invited to join the annual Way of The Cross on Good Friday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. The procession takes approximately two hours and begins and ends at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 18 Ave. and 1 ST. S.W.