The Sacred Triduum

The Sacred Triduum’s Liturgical Lines

Holy Thursday

• Lent ends before Evening Prayer is celebrated.
• The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper & Chrism Mass (if celebrated today) are the only Masses permitted. 
• The Eucharist is distributed only at the Mass but may be taken to the sick.
• Funeral Masses are not allowed. Any funeral rites take the form of a Liturgy of the Word and Rite of Commendation.  Communion is not given.
• Before Mass, the tabernacle should be empty; a sufficient amount of hosts should be consecrated for Communion today and tomorrow.
• Holy Water is removed from all fonts before Mass.  They are refilled at Easter. 
• The group whose feet are washed should represent a cross-section of the community. The number is traditionally twelve, though this is not  a requirement. 
• It is inappropriate to celebrate First Holy Communion today.
• After Communion, the Eucharist is taken in procession to the place of reposition.
• The use of a monstrance is forbidden 
• The altar is stripped after Mass. Crosses should be removed or veiled. 
• Lamps should not be lit before images of the saints. 
• Eucharistic Adoration at the repository is encouraged throughout the night.  

Good Friday

• Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence.
• Communal celebration of Morning Prayer is encouraged.
• The celebration of the Lord’s Passion is usually celebrated at 3:00 pm.
• The Intercessions and the chants for the showing of the Cross should be sung.
• The Passion of the Lord is read (St. John) as on Palm Sunday.
• A single Cross is used for veneration
• After the celebration, the altar is stripped, the Cross remaining with four candles.

Holy Saturday

• Sacramental celebrations are forbidden, except Penance & Anointing of the Sick.
• Holy Communion may only be given as “Viaticum” (to those in danger of death)
• The Vigil takes place after nightfall, not at the time of Sunday anticipated Masses
• It is at the Vigil that the Elect are fully initiated.
• 9 Scripture Readings are assigned to the Vigil but the number may be reduced.
• The paschal candle acclamations, the Easter Proclamation, the “Alleluia, “Litany of Saints, and the Acclamation after the blessing of water should be sung.
• Those who receive Communion at the Vigil may receive again on Easter Day