Holy Week
Palm Sunday, 1st April (Normal Sunday Masses)
Today the Church celebrates the Lord's entry into Jerusalem to
accomplish the paschal mystery. This is recalled at each of our
weekend masses. Weather permitting, we gather in the playground
between the Church and Hall for our solemn procession with palm
branches.
Easter Triduum
"Christ redeemed mankind and gave perfect glory to God through the
Paschal Mystery: by dying he destroyed our death, by rising he restored
our life. The Easter Triduum of the Passion and Resurrection of
Christ is thus the culmination of the entire liturgical year" (Roman
Missal)
Maundy Thursday, 5th April at 7:30pm
The Church gathers for the "Mass of the
Lord's Supper", our solemn commemoration of the institution of the
Sacrament of the Eucharist. At this mass we wash feet following
the Lord's example.
There is "watching" and quiet prayer after the
mass, ending with "night prayer of the Church" just before midnight.
Good Friday, 6th April at 3pm
We gather for the solemn liturgy of Good Friday,
which includes the reading of the "passion", veneration of the cross,
and holy communion.
Holy Saturday, 7th April at 8:30pm
The culmination of Holy Week is the Easter Vigil
Mass. We gather outside for the blessing of the new fire, the
procession of the Paschal Candle and the Easter Proclamation. We
listen to the scripture reading which recount the history of our
salvation. We welcome into full communion with the Church our
Catechumens and Candidates through the Sacraments of Baptism,
Eucharist and Confirmation.
Easter Sunday
For those who are unable to attend the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday,
there are normal Sunday Masses at 10am and 12noon.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Lent is a special time for turning away from sin, and many people
will wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (what we used to
call "Confession") to ensure that they are in a "state of grace" and
fulfil their Easter duties.
On Sunday 1st April there will be a
Reconciliation Service, with individual confession, in the Church at
3pm. We have invited many priests to be present to hear
confessions. In the past this has been attended by 150-200 people.
Although there will be other extra opportunities
for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Lent is the time for this
Sacrament, not the Triduum! Do not delay!
There will NOT be any published times for
Reconciliation on Good Friday or Holy Saturday. Obviously any
reasonable request will not be denied.
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