Easter Triduum 2010

Holy Thursday is the beginning of the Easter Triduum. On this night we remember Jesus' Last Supper, where he took the bread and wine of the Passover and made them into the sacrament of His Body and Blood.

The altar servers have been practicing for the Triduum for weeks. This year, we had several new young men join the team.

The holy oils, sent from the cathedral at the Chrism Mass earlier in the week, are brought in the entrance procession.

Where charity is true, God himself is there. Father Martin washes the feet of several members of the community, in imitation of Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.	This is my body. The Eucharist is celebrated as at every Mass, but is especially fitting tonight, the commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist.

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory. The Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession around the church and brought to the altar of repose.

The people watch and pray with Jesus until midnight.	The main altar is left bare until Holy Saturday.

Good Friday is the commemoration of Jesus' death on the Cross. The priest and servers enter in silence and reverence the bare altar. The account of the Passion is read, and Holy Communion is distributed. Today's service is not a Mass—it is the only day of the year when Mass is not offered. The hosts that are distributed today were consecrated at yesterday evening's Mass.

This is the wood of the cross. —Come, let us worship. The Cross is brought forth for veneration during and after the service.

The Easter Vigil begins after dark on Holy Saturday. It is the beginning of the celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Outside the church, the Easter fire is prepared.

Christ yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega; all time belongs to him, and all ages; to Him be glory and power through every age for ever. Amen. The paschal candle is lit from the fire.

The light of Christ. —Thanks be to God. The paschal candle is brought into the church, symbolizing Christ's risen life, and the candles of all those in the church are lit from it.

Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory! The risen Savior shines upon you! Let this place resound with joy, echoing the mighty song of all God's people! The whole church is filled with the light of Christ.

After a series of readings telling the story of salvation history, the Gloria is sung, the altar is dressed, and the Gospel account of the resurrection is read.

In preparation for baptisms, the litany of saints is sung.	"Baptizing" the paschal candle blesses the baptismal water.

Isaac Cardona is baptized, clothed in a new garment, and given a candle lit from the paschal candle.

Isaac is confirmed with the name Michael.	The rest of the people, having renewed their baptismal promises, are blessed with the baptismal water.

Priests and altar servers after a liturgy beautifully done!

On Easter Sunday, the church is richly decorated in celebration of our Lord's resurrection. The paschal candle remains lit for the 50 days of the Easter season.