On Holy Week

Holy Thursday

Before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the tabernacle is entirely empty. A sufficient number of hosts should be consecrated at this Mass for the communion of the clergy and laity at the Mass and for Service on Good Friday. Holy Water is removed from all fonts before the Mass. They are re-filled with water blessed at the Easter Vigil. The group whose feet are washed should represent a cross-section of the community. By tradition there are twelve, but this number is not required. After Communion, a ciborium with hosts for Good Friday is placed on the altar and then after the post communion prayer, it is brought in procession to the place of reposition. This is followed by a period of adoration. After Mass, the altar is stripped. Crosses should be removed or veiled. Votive candles should not be lit before the images of the saints.

Good Friday

A day of fasting and abstinence, the celebration of the Lord’s Passion and Death takes place about 3:00 o’clock.  The General Intercessions and the chants for the showing and veneration of the cross are always sung. After the liturgy, the altar is stripped. The Cross remains flanked by four candles.

Holy Saturday

The celebration of weddings and other sacraments is forbidden, except for Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. Communion may be given only as “Viaticum” (when one is in danger of death).

Solemn Vigil & Easter Sunday

The Vigil should take place at night and end before dawn. The customary anticipated Sunday Masses are forbidden. The sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are celebrated at the Vigil. Nine readings are assigned for the Liturgy of the Word but these may be reduced to five. The following are always to be sung: the acclamations during the procession of the Easter Candle, the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) the Responsorial Alleluia, and the Acclamation after the blessing of the water. On Easter Sunday, the renewal of baptismal promises takes the place of the Creed. On Easter, its Octave, and on Pentecost Sunday, the acclamation “Alleluia, Alleluia” is added the dismissal. Easter is celebrated for fifty days concluding with Pentecost. Throughout this time, the Easter Candle remains in the sanctuary—near the altar or the ambo.