Holy Thursday - April 21, 2011
The Liturgy of the Lord's Supper begins at 7:00 in the Church.
As we begin the Triduum on Holy Thursday, we receive, as a community, the Holy Oils which were blessed by Bishop McGrath at the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. We hear again of the Passover in Genesis, of the Institution of the Lord's Supper, and of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. Then we, as a community, wash one another's feet, as an active sign of the call to humbly serve one another in love.
This call to service continues as, during the Presentation of the Gifts, the entire community is invited to bring forward their gifts of food for those in need. We remind everyone coming to this liturgy to remember to bring their bags of food. The food will be distributed through our parish Food Box program.
After Communion, there is a solemn procession of the Eucharist to the Altar of Reservation, where people are encouraged to remain in prayer throughout the night. The liturgy does not "end" but rather will continue on the next day.
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Good Friday - April 22, 2011
The Good Friday liturgy continues, with the Liturgy of the Hours from Noon to 12:30 p.m.
The Liturgy of the Lord's Passion begins at 12:30 p.m., during which we hear the Passion of the Lord according to John proclaimed. After allowing time for many intercessory prayers, the entire community is invited to bear the cross, as our large wooden cross is lifted and carried by the entire assembly.
After Communion, the cross is layed at the front of the church and the community is invited to come forward to spend some time in prayer around the cross.
After the LIturgy of the Lord's Passion, there is another Liturgy of the Hours which lasts until about 3:00 p.m. after which people are encouraged again to remain in prayer. We will gather again as a community tomorrow, on Holy Saturday, at 8:30 p.m. for the Easter Vigil.
Easter Vigil - April 23, 2011
We begin our Easter Vigil after sundown, at 8:30 p.m.
We will gather in our church, from which the Elect (Catechumens) will lead us in procession to the blazing Easter Fire (that our Boy Scouts prepare for us). The new Paschal Candle, the Light of Christ, is lit and carried into the church, from which the assembly's candles are all lit. We listen to the chant of the ancient (almost 2,000 years old) Hymn to the Light, the Exultet. Then our candles are extinguished, leaving only the Light of Christ, as we hear the many stories of the history of our salvation. Before the Gospel proclamation, we sing -- for the first time in over 40 days -- the Alleluia.
Following the homily, the Litany of Saints is chanted, our catechumens are led to the waters where they will be baptised, as the entire community renews their baptismal vows also. When the newly baptised have changed from their brown robes to new white ones (putting on Christ, as it were) they are anointed with the fragrant Chrism Oil in Confirmation. Following the Eucharistic Prayer, they will receive communion with the community for the first time.
After the liturgy, the assembly gathers in the Community Building for a reception for our newest members.
Easter Sunday - April 24, 2011
Our Easter Sunday liturgies resume around sunrise with our 7:00 a.m. Mass.
The 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. liturgies are focused on families with young children.
At 11:30 a.m., with our adult choir.
Although the Triduum ends with sundown on Easter Sunday, our celebration of Easter will continue for the next 50 days, concluding at the end of Pentecost.
(Image at left: Resurrection Window at St. Martin's Church)