HOLY WEEK

Holy Week is the last week of Lent. For Christians, it's final and  intense preparation for Easter, that begins on PALM SUNDAY. We wave palms as a reminder of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

WHY THE PALMS?

The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory. Jesus' procession was like a modern day ticker tape parade. The people were celebrating because God had promised them a Messiah... And here he was. On Palm Sunday Catholics read "the Passion": The gospel narrative of Jesus' last hours of earthly life. Christ came to us to establish God's peaceful Kingdom in love. But within days, we turned on him.

HOLY THURSDAY

Tonight, we read about Jesus washing the feet of his 12 apostles.

WHY THE FEET WASHING?

Love equals serving others. Jesus gets on his hands and knees and serves us, commanding we do the same:

"As I have done for you, you should also do."

On Holy Thursday Catholics commemorate the institution of the priesthood & institution of the Eucharist. Priests often recommit to their vows of service and we are reminded that Jesus continues serving us through the gift of the Eucharist.

GOOD FRIDAY

On this day, all Christians remember Jesus' crucifixion and death. This is the one day a year Catholics do not celebrate any masses. Catholics do gather to recall Jesus' Passion, pray for the world, and for the veneration of the cross. This is done by approaching the cross and kneeling, kissing, or touching it out of respect.

WHY VENERATE THE CROSS?

As a piece of cloth is cherished for what it symbolizes, a simple wooden cross is revered as a sign of Christ's victory.

HOLY SATURDAY

After letting go, before something new, there is an awkward in-between. Christ is in the tomb, and we wait. When night falls, Catholics celebrate the Easter vigil.

EASTER VIGIL

New members are initiated into the Church, and the community renews their commitment to continue Jesus' work of building God's Kingdom through love.

EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Sunday is not just the culmination of Holy Week, but the beginning of a whole new way of life. Every time Catholics celebrate mass, they celebrate these events. Every Sunday is an Easter, every communion, resurrection. Jesus' love, service and sacrifice present to us.  Always. 

 Have a blessed Holy Week and a happy Easter!