Holy Week

The Easter Triduum, a Latin term meaning "three days," is a central three-day period in the Catholic liturgical year commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. It begins on Holy Thursday evening with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, continues on Good Friday with the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, and culminates on Easter Sunday with the Easter Vigil.

Key Aspects of the Triduum:
Holy Thursday: Celebrates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
Good Friday: Marked by fasting, prayer, and remembrance of Jesus' crucifixion.

Lenten Penance Service

• Purpose:
Lenten penance services are a key part of the Lenten season, a time of spiritual preparation for Easter, where Christians reflect on their sins, turn back to God, and seek His mercy and forgiveness.

• Elements:
These services typically include:
• Scripture Readings: Short readings from the Bible that focus on conversion and repentance.
• Examination of Conscience: A period of reflection on one's sins and shortcomings, often using a guide or prompts.
• Confession: Penitents confess their sins to a priest, expressing remorse and seeking absolution.
• Penance: The priest assigns an act of penance, such as prayer, service, or a specific sacrifice, to help the penitent make amends and grow in holiness.
• Absolution: The priest absolves the penitent of their sins.

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• Benefits:
Participating in a penance service during Lent can lead to a deeper understanding of God's mercy, a renewed sense of faith, and a stronger commitment to living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus.

• Preparation:
Before attending a penance service, it's helpful to:
• Pray: Ask God to help you reflect honestly on your life and to open your heart to forgiveness.
• Reflect: Spend time examining your conscience, considering your actions and thoughts, and identifying areas where you've fallen short.
• Be Honest: When confessing your sins, be truthful and specific, acknowledging your wrongdoing and expressing your remorse.

• Beyond the Service:

Lent is a time for ongoing penance and spiritual growth, not just a one-time event.
• Prayer: Increase your prayer life, seeking God's guidance and strength.
• Service: Offer your time and talents to help those in need.
• Sacrifice: Make conscious choices to give up certain pleasures or indulgences, focusing on spiritual growth.

Fasting and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence [not eating meat]. The norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may also be taken, but not to equal a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards. Click here to see specifics on rules for fasting & abstinence from the USCCB.

CRS Rice Bowl...

... is Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program for families and faith communities in the United States who want to put their faith into action. Through CRS Rice Bowl, participants are invited to hear stories about their brothers and sisters in need around the world, and devote their Lenten prayers, fasting and alms to change the lives of those who suffer in poverty. Participants journey through the 40 days of Lent with a collection of daily reflections and activities included in the CRS Rice Bowl calendar and on the mobile app at crsricebowl.org/about/ricebowl-faq. Rice Bowls are in the back of the church. Please take one per family and return it on Good Friday.

About the Triduum

The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter
Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery.

The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.
The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are:

Mass of the Lord's Supper
Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

TV Mass for the Homebound

Is someone you love unable to join us at church during this holy time of Lent and Easter? For the faithful at home or in healthcare settings, the Heart of the Nation Sunday TV Mass brings spiritual comfort and the blessings of joy-filled hope in our Risen Savior. Please invite anyone you know who cannot get out to church to tune in to a Palm Sunday and Easter Catholic Mass Catholic Mass on one of many local channels (view list of channels) or watch online at www.HeartoftheNation.org. For those who can get to church, the TV or online liturgy does not fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation!

Pasion

Pasion
Luke
John