Vigil of Easter
Holy Week
Vigil of Easter
Holy Mass
Holy Mass is celebrated at The Vigil of Easter service, which occurs on Saturday evening (at sunset - service time varies) on the Eve of Easter. This service completes the Three-Day (Triduum) service which began on Maundy Thursday as well as the Season of Lent and ushers in the great festival of Easter.
A continuation of the Triduum service, Holy Mass is celebrated on Good Friday–Chief Service, which starts at noon on Friday during Holy Week, the week prior to Easter. Christ suffered in darkness on the cross during these hours starting at noon.
Important Note about Holy Mass
To highlight the solemn nature of Holy Week and to keep the observance of Holy Communion simple, please note that the Lord’s blood will be distributed using only the Common Cup (chalice), which is in keeping with Gospel precedent and has longstanding practice in churches.
Other Rites and Ceremonies
This service includes many special rites and ceremonies in keeping with the Vigil’s purpose:
- Service of Light
- Extended Readings from the Old Testament
- Prayers
- Holy Baptism
- Service of the Word
- Service of the Sacrament