Thursday, April 2 7:00pm – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Andrew

After Mass – adoration at the place of repose until Night Prayer 10:00pm Night Prayer

Friday, April 3 The Passion of the Lord 2:00pm at St. Jude (Confessions available after).

3:00pm at St. Stephen (Confessions available after).

Tenebrae Service – Ancient Holy Week service prayed in the dark with candlelight 8:00pm at St. Jude.

Saturday, April 4 Confession opportunities 10:30-11:20am at St. Andrew

Blessing of Easter Baskets the blessing of food for the first meal of Easter and food for the poor. Children are welcome to bring their baskets too. 11:30am at St. Andrew

Easter Vigil at St. Jude 8:30pm (There is NO 4:30pm Saturday evening Mass this day)

Easter Sunday Normal Sunday schedule

Holy Week is the most sacred week of the year. It is the preparation of the Lord’s resurrection on Easter.

Holy Week includes: This weekend, Palm Sunday, Jesus journeys into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday is where we celebrate Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist, we also see the washing of the feet.

Good Friday we remember Jesus’ crucifixion. CHRISM MASS The Chrism Mass has traditionally been held in the Erie Diocese on Monday of Holy Week at St. Peter Cathedral. At this Mass the Bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and then consecrates the Oil of Chrism. These oils are distributed to churches across the diocese for people to receive them. The Oil of the Sick is used for those receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, to bring them healing of body, mind, and soul. The Oil of Catechumens is used for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Through this anointing they are strengthened by Christ to resist the power of Satan and reject evil in all its forms. The Oil of Chrism is used to anoint infants after Baptism, those who are to be confirmed, Bishops and Priests at their Ordination, and altar and churches at the time of their dedication.

TENABRAE SERVICE Along with the other services and Masses this week, there is a devotion called Tenebrae Service, meaning “darkness”. What to expect: Coming into the church, there will be just a few lights on, and you’ll see 15 candles on the altar. The lights will go off when we begin at 8:00pm. I will read 14 scripture verses or meditations. This will be done in darkness. After each reading, we will simply chant “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom” as one candle is extinguished. This continues until the last reading. At the end, you will hear a “bang” sound, that represents the earth shaking and the closing of Christ’s tomb. One candle will be left on the altar symbolizing Christ’s coming resurrection. The service will conclude just after 8:30pm. If you have never been to a Tenebrae Service, please come. It sets the tone in spiritually preparing for Easter.

I think you’ll enjoy it! Have a blessed Holy Week!

Fr. Mike