| "The Divine Drama of Holy Week" |
Following her ancient customs, the Church celebrates the last events of Our Lord’s blessed life through the observance of particular feasts
and observances in the liturgical year.
Lent: (known by some Christians as “40 Days of Purpose”): This is the liturgical season which begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes
with Holy Saturday. It is forty days long (many think the season is longer; however, the Sundays during Lent are not counted as a part of the
season since traditionally penance is prohibited on the Lord’s Day).
The season initially began during apostolic times because of the intense time of penance and scrutiny imposed by the Church on those seeking
baptism and confirmation, which was principally held on the Easter Vigil. One of our oldest extra-biblical documents, the Didache (the
Teachings), is believed to have been a manual for teaching the catechumens the Faith. And we have our baptism ritual directly from the
Easter Vigil liturgy itself.
The season was set at forty days so that those preparing to enter the Church at Easter could observe a spiritual solidarity with the Lord Jesus,
who dwelled for forty days in the desert preparing for his public ministry. As the Church grew, existing believers desired a unity with those
in this time of penance and purification. Believers, therefore, began to participate in the penances and sacrifices of the catechumens. This
eventually became the universal liturgical season of Lent.
Fifth Sunday of Lent: Passiontide
The fifth Sunday of Lent begins the time period known as Passiontide. It marks the decision of the Jewish leadership, after the cure of the
blind man, to betray Jesus and the beginning of their search for reasons to call him to trial. Images in the Church, especially the crucifix, are
traditionally covered during this time because Jesus observed a “hidden life,” a time in which he did not travel nor preach publicly. He lived
quietly in Bethany preparing for his Passion.
Passion (Palm) Sunday:
On Palm Sunday, still during Passiontide, the Church recalls the triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. The events of this liturgy
begin with a blessing of palms and a procession with them. This recalls the palms and acclamations of the people assembled in Jerusalem at
the time of Jesus. In fulfillment of the prophecy of Zephaniah, Jesus entered riding on an ass. Unlike his usual pastoral practice of asking for
discretion and silence (“Tell this to no one”), Jesus permits the signs of divinity (palms and hosannas) to be given to him. The Lord Jesus
acknowledges that his “hour” has begun.
After the initial ritual, the Church has portions of Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant) read and then the “Kenosis” passage of St. Paul’s letter to the
Philippians. This prepares the people for the observance of the Passion, which is then proclaimed to the people. This announces the mystery
which the Church is about to re-live during Holy Week.
Holy Week begins with Passion (Palm) Sunday. Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week are quiet days, recalling the spiritual preparation of the
Lord Jesus for his Passion.
Spy Wednesday:
On Wednesday of Holy Week the Church marks the decision of Judas to betray Jesus. Citing problems over supposed exuberant spending,
Judas decides to cooperate with the Jewish leadership in bringing Jesus to trial. This is a traditional day for confessions and reconciliation
with enemies.
Holy Thursday:
Chrism Mass: Traditionally celebrated the morning of Holy Thursday (in the Diocese of Charleston, due to its extensive geographic size, the
Bishop has permission to celebrate this earlier in the Holy Week).
The Chrism Mass is celebrated by the Bishop, surrounded by the priests of the diocese, in the Cathedral church. It recalls that Jesus is the
“Christ,” the “Anointed One.” It reminds all that we are summoned to be other christs, other anointed ones, in the One Christ. The priests of
the Diocese renew their vows to the Bishop, the Bishop offers an exhortation to the priests and people of the Diocese, and the Bishop
consecrates the three oils of the Church (the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the sacred chrism). The sacred chrism can only
be consecrated by the Bishop. It is only used in Baptisms, Confirmations, and Ordinations. After the oil is consecrated, it is divided among
the parishes of the Diocese and sent with the priests to their parishes.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Held in the evening, this Mass recalls the Last Supper of the Lord Jesus with the Apostles. It observes the
institution of the priesthood, the Eucharist, and the new commandment (“mandatum”) to love. The readings of the Mass recall the Jewish
Passover and St. Paul’s Last Supper account. Interestingly, the Gospel reading is not an institution narrative. Instead, it is the account of the
Lord Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles. St. John does not give an institution narrative and the Church follows the same practice. She
only gives the washing account. Immediately after the Gospel, the priest is encouraged in the Mass to wash the feet of twelve male
parishioners. Here the priest actually recalls to the people the witness of the Lord Jesus to serve others.
The Mass follows its normal order, until after Holy Communion. After concluding the Communion Rite, the priest solemnly carries the
Blessed Sacrament to an Altar of Repose (away from the Main Altar). This recalls the movement of Jesus from the Upper Room to the
Garden. After the procession ends and Jesus is placed on the altar of repose, the altar and sanctuary is stripped. This recalls the stripping of
Jesus’ dignity and his humility to endure his Passion. It further represents the utter starkness of Jesus in the Garden.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of repose is permitted until midnight, when adoration ends. This recalls the arrest of Jesus in
the Garden. The Blessed Sacrament is removed and “hidden.” This recalls that Jesus was taken prisoner and was not available.
Good Friday:
Good Friday is the only day of the year in which Mass is not permitted to be celebrated. In honor of the Passion, the Church restricts its
celebration on Good Friday.
Instead, the Church observes a service at 3:00, the historical time in which Jesus died on the Cross (according to the accounts of St. John,
the Lord Jesus was given the Cross at 9:00 to carry; he reached Calvary and was suspended on the Cross at 12 Noon; he surrendered his
spirit and expired at 3:00). At 3:00, the service begins with the priest entering the sanctuary either barefoot or in sandals. This recalls Jesus’
humility and debasement. The priest prostrates before the altar and all kneel. The Passion is read and intercessions are offered for everyone
(reminding everyone that the effects of the Cross are for all). Then the Cross is venerated. The Cross is unveiled and the people are invited
to come forward and kiss it. This is the opportunity of the people to show their gratitude and devotion to the Lord Jesus’ suffering and death
for us. Afterwards, Holy Communion (consecrated at the Mass the day before), is brought out from the “hiding place” and distributed. After
this the service ends.
The Stations of the Cross, recounting the actual carrying of the Cross, can be celebrated at 12 Noon.
The “Tenebrae” (Darkness) Service can be celebrated in the evening. This is the solemn chanting of the penitential psalms and the recounting
of the darkness which covers the earth with the death and burial of the Lord Jesus.
Holy Saturday:
During the day, the Church stands in anticipation of the Resurrection. She keeps the altar stripped reminding her of the starkness of the dead
Jesus.
At sunset, the Church begins her Easter Vigil. The Lord Jesus is Risen!!! Alleluia!!! Originally this was the principal time in which baptisms
and confirmations occurred.
The Easter Vigil has four main parts: the blessing of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Liturgy of the Word, the Initiation of
New Christians and Confirmation of new Catholics, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. For a detailed description of the Vigil, please see
“Mystery of the Easter Vigil Described.”
The Vigil marks the beginning of the Easter season.
Easter Sunday:
As the sun rises on Easter, the Church celebrates her regular Mass. The only addition is the renewal of baptismal vows and the blessing with
the Easter (holy) water.
Easter Season: Fifty days which mark the fifty days in which the resurrected Jesus walked the earth and shared fellowship with the disciples.
Ascension Thursday: Marks the end of the Easter season and the ascension of the Lord Jesus to the right hand of the Father.
Pentecost: Nine days after his ascension, the Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles. (This is the basis of the custom of
a “novena,” nine days of prayer for a specific intention.) This is traditionally seen as the birthday of the Church.
and observances in the liturgical year.
Lent: (known by some Christians as “40 Days of Purpose”): This is the liturgical season which begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes
with Holy Saturday. It is forty days long (many think the season is longer; however, the Sundays during Lent are not counted as a part of the
season since traditionally penance is prohibited on the Lord’s Day).
The season initially began during apostolic times because of the intense time of penance and scrutiny imposed by the Church on those seeking
baptism and confirmation, which was principally held on the Easter Vigil. One of our oldest extra-biblical documents, the Didache (the
Teachings), is believed to have been a manual for teaching the catechumens the Faith. And we have our baptism ritual directly from the
Easter Vigil liturgy itself.
The season was set at forty days so that those preparing to enter the Church at Easter could observe a spiritual solidarity with the Lord Jesus,
who dwelled for forty days in the desert preparing for his public ministry. As the Church grew, existing believers desired a unity with those
in this time of penance and purification. Believers, therefore, began to participate in the penances and sacrifices of the catechumens. This
eventually became the universal liturgical season of Lent.
Fifth Sunday of Lent: Passiontide
The fifth Sunday of Lent begins the time period known as Passiontide. It marks the decision of the Jewish leadership, after the cure of the
blind man, to betray Jesus and the beginning of their search for reasons to call him to trial. Images in the Church, especially the crucifix, are
traditionally covered during this time because Jesus observed a “hidden life,” a time in which he did not travel nor preach publicly. He lived
quietly in Bethany preparing for his Passion.
Passion (Palm) Sunday:
On Palm Sunday, still during Passiontide, the Church recalls the triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. The events of this liturgy
begin with a blessing of palms and a procession with them. This recalls the palms and acclamations of the people assembled in Jerusalem at
the time of Jesus. In fulfillment of the prophecy of Zephaniah, Jesus entered riding on an ass. Unlike his usual pastoral practice of asking for
discretion and silence (“Tell this to no one”), Jesus permits the signs of divinity (palms and hosannas) to be given to him. The Lord Jesus
acknowledges that his “hour” has begun.
After the initial ritual, the Church has portions of Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant) read and then the “Kenosis” passage of St. Paul’s letter to the
Philippians. This prepares the people for the observance of the Passion, which is then proclaimed to the people. This announces the mystery
which the Church is about to re-live during Holy Week.
Holy Week begins with Passion (Palm) Sunday. Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week are quiet days, recalling the spiritual preparation of the
Lord Jesus for his Passion.
Spy Wednesday:
On Wednesday of Holy Week the Church marks the decision of Judas to betray Jesus. Citing problems over supposed exuberant spending,
Judas decides to cooperate with the Jewish leadership in bringing Jesus to trial. This is a traditional day for confessions and reconciliation
with enemies.
Holy Thursday:
Chrism Mass: Traditionally celebrated the morning of Holy Thursday (in the Diocese of Charleston, due to its extensive geographic size, the
Bishop has permission to celebrate this earlier in the Holy Week).
The Chrism Mass is celebrated by the Bishop, surrounded by the priests of the diocese, in the Cathedral church. It recalls that Jesus is the
“Christ,” the “Anointed One.” It reminds all that we are summoned to be other christs, other anointed ones, in the One Christ. The priests of
the Diocese renew their vows to the Bishop, the Bishop offers an exhortation to the priests and people of the Diocese, and the Bishop
consecrates the three oils of the Church (the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the sacred chrism). The sacred chrism can only
be consecrated by the Bishop. It is only used in Baptisms, Confirmations, and Ordinations. After the oil is consecrated, it is divided among
the parishes of the Diocese and sent with the priests to their parishes.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Held in the evening, this Mass recalls the Last Supper of the Lord Jesus with the Apostles. It observes the
institution of the priesthood, the Eucharist, and the new commandment (“mandatum”) to love. The readings of the Mass recall the Jewish
Passover and St. Paul’s Last Supper account. Interestingly, the Gospel reading is not an institution narrative. Instead, it is the account of the
Lord Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles. St. John does not give an institution narrative and the Church follows the same practice. She
only gives the washing account. Immediately after the Gospel, the priest is encouraged in the Mass to wash the feet of twelve male
parishioners. Here the priest actually recalls to the people the witness of the Lord Jesus to serve others.
The Mass follows its normal order, until after Holy Communion. After concluding the Communion Rite, the priest solemnly carries the
Blessed Sacrament to an Altar of Repose (away from the Main Altar). This recalls the movement of Jesus from the Upper Room to the
Garden. After the procession ends and Jesus is placed on the altar of repose, the altar and sanctuary is stripped. This recalls the stripping of
Jesus’ dignity and his humility to endure his Passion. It further represents the utter starkness of Jesus in the Garden.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of repose is permitted until midnight, when adoration ends. This recalls the arrest of Jesus in
the Garden. The Blessed Sacrament is removed and “hidden.” This recalls that Jesus was taken prisoner and was not available.
Good Friday:
Good Friday is the only day of the year in which Mass is not permitted to be celebrated. In honor of the Passion, the Church restricts its
celebration on Good Friday.
Instead, the Church observes a service at 3:00, the historical time in which Jesus died on the Cross (according to the accounts of St. John,
the Lord Jesus was given the Cross at 9:00 to carry; he reached Calvary and was suspended on the Cross at 12 Noon; he surrendered his
spirit and expired at 3:00). At 3:00, the service begins with the priest entering the sanctuary either barefoot or in sandals. This recalls Jesus’
humility and debasement. The priest prostrates before the altar and all kneel. The Passion is read and intercessions are offered for everyone
(reminding everyone that the effects of the Cross are for all). Then the Cross is venerated. The Cross is unveiled and the people are invited
to come forward and kiss it. This is the opportunity of the people to show their gratitude and devotion to the Lord Jesus’ suffering and death
for us. Afterwards, Holy Communion (consecrated at the Mass the day before), is brought out from the “hiding place” and distributed. After
this the service ends.
The Stations of the Cross, recounting the actual carrying of the Cross, can be celebrated at 12 Noon.
The “Tenebrae” (Darkness) Service can be celebrated in the evening. This is the solemn chanting of the penitential psalms and the recounting
of the darkness which covers the earth with the death and burial of the Lord Jesus.
Holy Saturday:
During the day, the Church stands in anticipation of the Resurrection. She keeps the altar stripped reminding her of the starkness of the dead
Jesus.
At sunset, the Church begins her Easter Vigil. The Lord Jesus is Risen!!! Alleluia!!! Originally this was the principal time in which baptisms
and confirmations occurred.
The Easter Vigil has four main parts: the blessing of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Liturgy of the Word, the Initiation of
New Christians and Confirmation of new Catholics, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. For a detailed description of the Vigil, please see
“Mystery of the Easter Vigil Described.”
The Vigil marks the beginning of the Easter season.
Easter Sunday:
As the sun rises on Easter, the Church celebrates her regular Mass. The only addition is the renewal of baptismal vows and the blessing with
the Easter (holy) water.
Easter Season: Fifty days which mark the fifty days in which the resurrected Jesus walked the earth and shared fellowship with the disciples.
Ascension Thursday: Marks the end of the Easter season and the ascension of the Lord Jesus to the right hand of the Father.
Pentecost: Nine days after his ascension, the Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles. (This is the basis of the custom of
a “novena,” nine days of prayer for a specific intention.) This is traditionally seen as the birthday of the Church.
| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |