Ideas
for the
40
Days of
Lent
An
Idea for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday - Particate
fully in the celebrations of the Triduum...
The word "Triduum" is
a Latin word meaning a space of three days. The Easter Triduum
refers to the three sacred days leading up to Easter Sunday: Holy
Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Holy
Thursday is the day we remember and celebrate the first Eucharist,
where Jesus said, "This is my body," and "Do this
in memory of me." It is also the day we enter into the ritual
of the foot-washing; symbolic of our baptismal call to serve one
another. How about going to Mass? Traditionally, many Catholics
use this sacred evening to visit a number of churches in the area
for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. St. James Church on Wabash
is hosting a biking tour of neighborhood churches. Calendar
of Events.
Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified. Many parishes offer
the Stations of the Cross, where we can pray through the journey
to crucifixion. This is the only day of the year we do not celebrate
Mass, but prayer services will be offered, where Communion (from
Holy Thursday) is distributed. Also, today we venerate (show respect
for) the wood of the cross.
Holy Saturday is sometimes called "Tomb day," as we
await resurrection. The evening of Holy Saturday is our Easter
Vigil celebration. This spectacular series of rituals begins with
the blessing of the Light of Christ (somewhat of a bonfire!),
and passing the light from person to person in a dark church.
This is also the evening when new members join the Catholic Church,
and many receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and
First Holy Communion. Again, it is quite beautiful. Be warned
that the celebration includes many readings, extra music, the
sacraments, renewal of our baptismal vows, and other additions;
it may last several hours. If you have small children, consider
coming for part of the celebration.
Easter Sunday - Join the Church in celebrating the Resurrection
of Christ!
Here are some supporting websites that will enhance your understanding
of and participation in the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good
Friday, Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday:
Triduum
is a worthwhile three-day pilgrimage
Benedict
XVI on the Easter Triduum (April, 2006)
Holy
Thursday: By Catholic Culture
Women for Faith &
Family
Good
Friday
Holy
Saturday From Catholic Culture
Easter
Sunday
Prayer during the Triduum:
Most
merciful and ever-loving God, we have moved through these 40 days
of Lent being more conscious of Your presence in our lives. As
we move through this Triduum, help us to stay rooted in Christ.
As we grow nearer to the celebration of the Resurrection, may
we be bearers of the Love of Christ to all.
We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Past
Ideas.
