HOLY WEEK
Holy Week is the most significant week in Catholicism. Spanning from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, it marks the final stretch before Easter Sunday, the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection.

Palm Sunday
Commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jeru­salem. We carry blessed palm branches in church, symbolizing the crowd’s welcoming gesture. The Gospel readings recount the story of Jesus’ death and Passion, evoking reflection on His sac­rificial love and the profound significance of Holy Week.

The Chrism Mass
Celebrated on Tuesday, Wednesday, or the morning of Holy Thursday. During the Chrism Mass, the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism Oil are consecrated by the Bishop. After Mass the oils are taken back to the parishes and used for the Sacraments throughout the year. There is also a renewal of priestly promises during the Chrism Mass.

Holy Thursday
The first day of the Easter Triduum, the most sacred days of the Catholic faith. It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorating the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus and his disciples on the Jewish holiday of Passover. Dur­ing this Mass, the priest washes the feet of some members of the parish in memory of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It was during the Last Supper that Jesus taught his disciples that the Eucharist is truly His Body and Blood. Because of this, the Last Supper is also significant because it was the beginning of the priesthood.

Good Friday
Commemorates the day Jesus died and saved us from our sins. His death and Resurrection on Easter is the most important event, which is why it’s called “good”. On this day we fast and remember the suffering of Jesus when he died on the cross. It’s the only day of the year in which Catholic Mass is not celebrated. Instead we have a Veneration of the Cross service.

The Easter Vigil
Mass celebrated on Holy Saturday and it begins the Easter celebrations of Jesus’ Resurrection. It begins with a bonfire, and we light candles that slowly illuminate the church. Many readings from the Old Testament that foretold Je-sus’ death and resurrection are read. It’s also the day that new catechumens, those who are entering the Catholic Church, receive the Sacraments for the first time.

Easter Sunday
Continuation of the celebration of Jesus’ res­urrection. The Mass celebrates the most important teaching in the Catholic faith – that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead so that we could share eternal life with him in heaven.