The Evening Mass of The Lord’s Supper begins the Paschal “Triduum” – Latin for “Three Days”. These three days are the holiest in our liturgical calendar; in fact, to set them apart even more, the Church designates these three days as its own liturgical season. The three days are counted starting at sundown on Holy Thursday, thus concluding on the evening of Easter Sunday. This evening’s liturgy has no ending. The Triduum is viewed as one continuous liturgy or time of prayer. 

There are many rituals that occur during tonight’s Mass...the first being the Reception of the Holy Oils that were blessed and consecrated at the Chrism Mass by Bishop McGovern.  After listening to the Scriptures, we continue with the Washing of the Feet. The twelve people chosen for this ritual tonight represent our parish’s broad scope of liturgical, formation, social, outreach, and parish life ministries. This represents the Christian life of service, as is the next thing we do, a Collection for the Poor. (CRS Rice Bowls)

After communion, our main tabernacle is completely empty and the sanctuary lamp, signifying His presence, is extinguished. The Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament is processed to a side tabernacle. The Sacrifice of the Eucharist is not offered on Good Friday, the hosts consecrated at this Mass will be used for tomorrow’s liturgy.  Next is the Stripping of the Sanctuary and Altar. The altar is stripped of candles, cloths and decorations. The church is left stark in commemoration of the Lord's Passion. There is no formal dismissal tonight, nor formal greeting tomorrow. We depart in silence.  

You are invited to remain in the church for Eucharistic Adoration. 

Good Friday is the most sober day of the entire Church year. The only day of the year when there is no Mass.  The church is completely bare. The clergy enter and prostrate before entering the sanctuary; the assembly kneels.  The Passion of John is proclaimed.  

The second part of the liturgy is profound in the way the cross is unveiled. We venerate the cross by various signs of reverence, including genuflection or a profound bow. 

The third part of the liturgy is a simple Communion service with the Eucharist from Holy Thursday being distributed. We depart in silence, continuing our quiet waiting and fasting for the Easter Vigil. 

Hungering with excitement, the church gathers in the darkness and lights a new fire and the Easter candle representing Christ’s Resurrection Light. We listen to some of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible; then we pray to the Communion of Saints to stand with us as we bless the Easter waters in the Baptismal Font and renew our own Baptismal Promises. We then baptize our newest members and Confirm those becoming Catholic from other denominations. With our new members, we celebrate the Easter Eucharist. Easter begins, and we are ready for Fifty Days of rejoicing!

Following the Vigil, all are welcome to stay for 'BREAK-FAST' in the Fellowship Hall.