Palm Sunday & The Triduum

- The USCCB formally refers to Palm Sunday as “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion” because it’s the day we first hear the Passion reading.
  We will hear it again on Good Friday but from a different Gospel.
  This year Palm Sunday will feature the Gospel of Luke, while Good Friday will allow us to hear the Gospel according to John.
  The Gospel we hear at the start of Mass is from Luke, which describes Jesus’s approach to Jerusalem, also rotates with the liturgical cycles. 2025 is in the lectionary cycle of Year C.
  What happens on Palm Sunday?
  On Palm Sunday, churchgoers receive palms, hear The Passion and prepare for Holy Week.
  Why do churches give out palms?
  Palms commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, as Scripture (John 12:13) tells us the crowd welcomed Him by waving palms.
  What happens to the palms?
  The palms distributed on Palm Sunday will form the ashes distributed on Ash Wednesday to begin Lent the following year.
  Is Palm Sunday a Catholic thing?
  Palm Sunday is an important day in the Catholic faith, but other Christian religions also recognize the day.
  Why do we make crosses on Palm Sunday?
  Some people choose to turn their palm leaves into crosses as a reminder of the meaning of the day, but it’s not required. Keeping the palm leaves straight is totally fine.
  When is Palm Sunday?
  In 2025, Palm Sunday is April 13.
  What’s the color of Palm Sunday?
  Red is the color of Palm Sunday. It symbolizes the blood of Jesus.
  Holy Thursday is the final day of Lent and the first day of the Paschal Triduum, the shortest liturgical season within the Church. Lent ends at the beginning of the Holy Thursday’s Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which leads us into prayer and reflection on the final night of Christ’s life preceding His death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
- Though the Triduum unfolds over three days, it is liturgically one continuous celebration, revealing the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, continues with the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and reaches its climax in the Easter Vigil, the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord, on Holy Saturday night.
  These liturgies mark the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of Easter joy. They are rich in symbol, silence, song, and solemnity. The Church, in her wisdom, calls us not just to witness these mysteries, but to enter into them—through fasting, prayer, and full participation in the sacred rites. These are not ordinary days, but a sacred retreat through which we accompany Jesus from the Upper Room, to the Cross, to the empty tomb.
  This guide, written by Father Muddu, is meant to help you encounter Jesus through each moment of the Triduum. Whether you are new to these traditions or returning with familiar devotion, may these days draw you closer to the mystery of our redemption—and fill you with the joy of the Risen Christ.
- Biblical Roots of Holy Thursday
  One of the most eventful and vital days in the liturgy of the Church, Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples, where He instituted both the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders (the priesthood).
  As we read in 1 Corinthians about the Eucharist,
  “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
  And in the Gospel of John, Chapter 13 about the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and urged them to follow after Him and spread the Good News:
  “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
  Because of this command of Christ to do as He has done, Holy Thursday is often called “Maundy Thursday” (from the Latin “Mandatum,” meaning “commandment”), especially in Protestant traditions.
  To reenact this final night of Christ’s life, most churches including St. Kateri will wash the feet of several parishioners and hold Eucharistic adoration following Mass.
  At the end of the Evening Mass, there is no concluding prayer. Instead, the altar is stripped, lit candles remain the only source of light, and incense is used to prepare the Church for the upcoming procession of the Eucharist. Wearing a humeral veil (to cover his hands as he carries the Blessed Sacrament), the priest and procession bring the Body of Christ to an Altar of Repose, often in a sanctuary or chapel separate from the main altar, where the faithful are encouraged to pray before the Eucharist following the Mass.
  This special worship after Mass replicates the patient waiting of the disciples as they kept a vigil with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane:
  Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. Matthew 26
  The beautiful Holy Thursday liturgy guides us to consider the many ways in which Christ calls us to remember Him, to place our trust in Him, and to follow His example – to keep our own vigil with Him as we await His Passion and Resurrection.
  
  Holy Thursday Morning Chrism Mass and Blessing of the Oils
  On Holy Thursday morning, most dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass, including the bishop’s annual blessing of the three holy oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the holy Chrism. The Chrism Mass and blessing of the oils occur worldwide, and afterward, the blessed oils are distributed across respective dioceses for sacramental use.
  A typical Reception of the Holy Oils follows this order: the Holy Oils, in vessels, are processed, and then placed on a table where they are incensed after the main altar is incensed. Then, the priest explains the meaning behind the blessing of the Holy Oils and how each might be used sacramentally. (USCCB)
  Oil of the Sick: “for healing of body, mind, and soul”
  Oil of the Catechumens: “for the anointing of those preparing for Baptism”
  Holy Chrism: “to anoint infants after Baptism, those who are to be confirmed, Bishops and Priests at their Ordination, and altars and churches at the time of their dedication”
  The procession of oils can vary from parish to parish, though there are some guidelines. As the USCCB notes, “A simple ceremony that is sober yet joyful, consistent with the Roman liturgy, and emphasizing the grace of the sacraments and unity with the bishop, would seem to be the most appropriate way to receive the oils in a parish.”
  In many Dioceses, for various reasons, the Chrism Mass is sometimes celebrated on a different day than Holy Thursday during Holy Week.
  
  Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Thursday
  What is Holy Thursday?
  Holy Thursday signals the end of Lent and the beginning of the Paschal Triduum, a period of three days tracing Christ’s three final days on earth before His resurrection. Holy Thursday Evening Mass reenacts the final night of Christ’s life with His disciples at the Last Supper, including the traditional washing of the feet.
  Is Holy Thursday a Holy Day of Obligation?
  Holy Thursday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Catholics know how essential these most solemn days are to our faith and will attend the liturgy accordingly.”
  Can you eat meat on Holy Thursday?
  Yes, you can eat meat on Holy Thursday; it is not technically a day of abstinence from meat in the Catholic Church.
  What happened at the Last Supper?
  Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples on the final night of His life; it signifies both the institution of the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders before Christ’s crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday.
  When does Lent end?
  Lent ends at the beginning of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.
  How long is Holy Thursday Mass?
  The Holy Thursday Mass liturgy includes some extra components, such as the oil presentation and foot washing ceremony, The priest celebrant, as much as he is able to, should wash the feet of at least several persons as an example to the assembly of Christian love and service and to connect his unique example of service to his role as presider over the Eucharist. This helps to unite the proclamation of the Gospel, the washing of the feet, and the Eucharist. The Gospel we proclaim, and our ritual participation in that Gospel through the Mandatum, shows us the kind of love and service that is required of all who share in the Eucharist (see the final note below).so it often runs 30-45 minutes longer than a typical Mass. It also includes the procession of the Eucharist and adoration after Mass, which might lengthen your time at church.
  What is the liturgical color for Holy Thursday?
  The liturgical color for Holy Thursday, like all other feasts of the Lord, is white.
  What are the symbols of Holy Thursday?
  Bread and wine represent the Body and Blood of Christ, recalling the events at the Last Supper. The image of the towel around Jesus’ waist also represents one of his last acts on earth, the washing of His disciples’ feet.
- Is Good Friday part of the Paschal Triduum?
  Yes, Good Friday is at the heart of the Paschal Triduum.
  Day 1: dusk on Holy Thursday — dusk on Good Friday (Crucifixion)
  Day 2: dusk on Good Friday — dusk on Holy Saturday (Death)
  Day 3: dusk on Holy Saturday — dusk on Easter Sunday (Resurrection)
  Is Good Friday a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation?
  No, Good Friday is not a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation. The Church, however, encourages us to recognize Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us and to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday.
  When is Good Friday in 2025?
  This year, Good Friday falls on April 18.
  What is the significance of Good Friday?
  Good Friday is, above all, the day in which we recognize Christ’s ultimate, loving sacrifice for each of us: His death on the cross.
  As St. Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians, “And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” (2 Cor. 5:15)
  Like Lent, Catholics recognize this day through fasting, abstinence, and prayer.
  Fasting & Abstinence
  The Catholic Church obligates its members to fast and abstain from meat on Good Friday.
  Fasting allows for one full meal and two smaller meals (that combined do not equal a full meal), with an expectation to abstain from meat on Good Friday. Exemptions are available for those with special physical needs.
  Good Friday Service at 7:00pm
  Although Good Friday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, many Catholics still attend a service on this solemn day. While this service is like a Mass with liturgy, intercessory prayers, and communion, the Eucharist is never consecrated on Good Friday. (Consecrating the Eucharist is what differentiates the Mass from the service.) The Eucharist is typically consecrated the day before, on Holy Thursday, and then distributed on Good Friday.
  Attending a Good Friday service is a profoundly humbling experience. There is no entry procession, no music, the altar is bare, and the tabernacle stands open and empty. Many services also include a Veneration of the Cross, in which we approach the crucifix one-by-one and kiss the feet of Christ.
  Prayer
  We turn to Christ in silence during this most solemn day to adore Him. We remember His sacrifice for us. We ask Him for strength and grace. We glorify Him, who has saved us from our sins.
  Stations of the Cross at 3:00pm
  Many Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at 3:00 p.m. when Christ died on the cross.
- After the congregation has gathered into the church, the Easter Vigil service begins at 8:00 pm
  A fire burns, dispelling the night’s darkness, as the priest takes the Paschal Candle, carves a cross and other symbols into it, and lights the candle. With incense burning, the priest passes light from the candle to smaller candles held by everyone in attendance.
  As everyone moves inside, the light from Christ illuminates the dark worship space. It serves as a powerful symbol, as Christ is the Light of the World. As Christ’s light enters the church, it can also enter our hearts.
  
  The Easter Vigil Readings and Psalms
  In the readings at the Easter Vigil, we trace the story of the world from God’s creation through Jesus’s Resurrection.
  A Psalm follows each reading. After the psalm, the congregation rises as the priest says, “Let us pray…” and offers a specific prayer related to the reading and psalm. After “Amen,” everyone sits, and the next reading begins.
  1. Genesis 1:2-2 (The Story of Creation)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104: Lord sends out Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.
  2. Genesis 22:1-18 (God puts Abraham to the Test)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16: You are my inheritance, O Lord.
  3. Exodus 14:15-15:1 (Moses’s Triumph Over the Egyptians)
  Responsorial Psalm: Exodus 15: Let us sing to the Lord; He has covered himself in glory.
  4. Isaiah 54:5-14 (The New Zion)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30: I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.
  5. Isaiah 55:1-11 (An Invitation to Grace)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 12: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
  6. Baruch 3:9-15, 32C4:4 (In Praise of Wisdom)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life
  7. Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 (The Renewal of Israel)
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42: Like a deer that longs for running streams, my soul longs for You, my God.
  (“Gloria in excelsis” is sung)
  8. Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 (If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.)
  (Alleluia led by the priest)
  9. Gospel: Mark 16:1-7 (The Resurrection of Jesus)
  
  After the seventh and final Old Testament reading, the priest leads “Gloria in excelsis,” often accompanied by bell ringing. The “Gloria” is not sung during Lent but returns on Holy Thursday and again at the Easter Vigil.
  Before the ninth and final reading, the Gospel, the priest intones “Alleluia” three times, getting louder each time, the first time Alleluia is sung during Lent.
  The Liturgy of the Word concludes with a homily, which is often brief, given the length of the readings.
  
  Frequently Asked Questions about The Easter Vigil
  
  How long is the Easter vigil?
  This depends on several factors, such as whether certain portions of the Mass are spoken or sung, how many readings are used and if there are any baptisms. It usually runs 2.5 to 3 hours.
  Is Easter Vigil a Holy Day of Obligation?
  The Easter Vigil is not a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation.
  Does Easter Vigil fulfill the Sunday obligation?
  Yes, attending the Easter Vigil fulfills one’s obligation to attend Mass on (Easter) Sunday.
  What is Easter Vigil Mass attire?
  There’s no specific dress code for the Easter Vigil, and no outfit recommendation could possibly accommodate all churches in all cultures. Since it’s a long liturgy, make sure your outfit is comfortable.
  What happens at the Easter Vigil?
  There’s darkness, fire, water (Baptism), oil (Confirmation) and more. It’s a liturgy filled with powerful symbolism.
  When does the Easter Vigil begin?
  The exact time varies, but the Easter Vigil always begins after dusk.
  What are the four parts of the Easter Vigil?
  The Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.