Like drive-by birthday parades, plexiglass screens, mask lanyards, and so much more, we have adapted every aspect of our lives to “work” with COVID. Even as science and modern medicine tells us that the end is in sight, we are still “making it work” until we get the all-clear sign. We all have a favorite Triduum liturgy and/or ritual. For some, maybe it’s the Washing of Feet, others might enjoy a dark church being lit with 500 small candles, symbolizing the Light of Christ, and others may feel the most moved by the Veneration of the Cross on Goof Friday. The good news is that nearly all of these rituals will remain in tact for this year’s Triduum, albeit with slight modifications. Here’s what you can expect…
Holy Thursday
The Chrism Mass will still take place with Bishop McGovern, so we will celebrate the Reception of the Holy Oils at the beginning of Mass.
The Washing of Feet will be pared down from our usual tradition. This year, 12 individuals will be selected from different ministries in our parish to have their feet washed by Fr. Jim.
The Transfer of the Holy Eucharist to the Tabernacle of Repose will take place at the end of Mass. Eucharistic Adoration will follow.
Good Friday
Like the Washing of Feet, this ritual will be simpler than usual. Instead of processing up to the cross and individually venerating it, we will all kneel for a period of communal veneration. (This is actually a normal, valid option for this rite that has always existed in the Roman Missal).
Easter Vigil
We will gather for the Easter Fire in the gathering space, fellowship hall, and west hallway so we have enough room to spread out. Individual candles will not be passed out (sorry, we can’t all blow air out of our mouths to extinguish them!), but we will have several decorative candle stations set up around the church, which will be lit from the Paschal Candle.
The Baptisms will be done by the Baptismal Font, but they will not be immersion baptisms. Side Note: the font will remain dry, but a generous parishioner has donated individual bottles of Holy Water for you to take home. We will have a refilling station in church for you to refill them throughout the Easter Season and beyond.
Confirmations will take place, as usual, in the front of church.
What a blessing that we get to celebrate together this year!