RCIA

Pronounced (tri’-doo-um ) Any three days of prayer or fasting preceding a Roman Catholic Feast. When capitalized it refers to the final three days of Lent and Holy Week.

Tridium Triddum Tridum Tritium

Paschal Triduum Holy Triduum Easter Triduum It is the three days before Easter beginning the evening of Holy Thursday and reaching its pinnacle with the celebration of the Easter Vigil at Sunset on Saturday.

While the disciplines of Lent (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving) continue during the Paschal Triduum, since 1956 it has been regarded as its own Liturgical Season. Aside from the Sunday Obligation there are no Holy Days of Obligation

“Do This in Memory of Me” The day of the Last Supper The Day Jesus was betrayed The initiation of three pillars of the Catholic Faith; The Eucharist The Priesthood Mass “Do This in Memory of Me”

This is why Holy Thursday is often called “Maundy Thursday” The New Commandment given after Judas had left. “A new Commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you also should love one another. This is how they will know that you are My Disciples.” (John 13:34) This is why Holy Thursday is often called “Maundy Thursday”

This is the last “Mass” before the Easter Vigil. Following the Homily the Celebrant washes the feet of selected attendees. There is no Dismissal. Following the Mass the Holy Eucharist is removed and taken to a place of ‘Repose.’ The altar is stripped bare following the service.

After Mass, Adoration of the Holy Eucharist continues until Midnight. This commemorates the time Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. You can find Scriptural references and suggested prayers in the Missalette. Security is provided.

Neither the words “good” or “Friday” appear in the canonical Bible. It is, after all, the day Jesus was scourged, humiliated, and Crucified. Germans call it “Karfreitag” or “Mourning Friday.” The Greek equivalent is “Holy and Great Friday.” However, the term “Good Friday” can be found back as far as the Second Century in the writings of early Christians. It seems fitting since during His Ministry Jesus completely flipped the concepts of “good” and “bad.”

This is the only day when there is no Mass. The Service includes the Liturgy of the Word, a Homily, General Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

Because…there is no Consecration of the Eucharist! The Hosts used at the Good Friday Service have been Consecrated at the Mass of the Lords Supper on Holy Thursday.

The readings are in the traditional format, Old Testament, a Letter, and always, always, always The Passion of Jesus according to John. The Gospel is long and is the same subject as Palm Sunday’s. It also requires your participation. You are the Chorus or Crowd.

The Solemn Intercessions are the concluding part of the Liturgy of the Word They are comprised of a list of prayers covering the ten following subjects: 1. The Church 2. The Pope 3. The Clergy and Laity 4. Those preparing for Baptism 5. Unity of Christians 6. The Jewish People* 7. Those who do not believe in Christ 8. Those who do not believe in God 9. Public Officials 10. Special Needs

The Cross, which has been veiled is unveiled in three stages. An invitation is made for all to kneel* and venerate the cross in silent prayer. All come forward in procession to venerate the cross by kissing the Feet*

The service is concluded with Holy Communion The service is concluded with Holy Communion. Once again the Hosts used had been consecrated on Holy Thursday. Since the Paschal Triduum is a three day Liturgy, once again there is no dismissal.

The beginning of the Easter Vigil. The timing reflects the Traditional end of Passover. The Hebrew ‘day’ was considered to be from nightfall to nightfall. This is why Easter Sunday really starts on Saturday.

The Easter Vigil Service Begins at 8:00 pm this year. It begins with a fire near the fountain outside the church This is a photo of the St. Teresa of Avila Knights of Columbus preparing the bonfire.

It looks a little more like this.

The Service begins outdoors with the lighting of the Paschal Fire The Service begins outdoors with the lighting of the Paschal Fire. The Priest blesses the fire. The Easter Candle is presented to the Priest by the deacon. Following brief prayers and explanation of the symbols, the candle is lit and lifted high. A procession is then led into the Church in darkness. When the celebrants reach the altar and following the singing of the third “The Light of Christ”, the sanctuary is lighted.

There is no Introductory Rite as the Liturgy is a continuation of the Triduum which began on Thursday. The Liturgy of the Word has seven Old Testament Readings with responsorial psalms and prayers. One epistle is read. The Gospel of Mark concerning Christ’s Resurrection is proclaimed. The homily follows the reading of the Gospel just as in the normal order of Mass.

Following the Homily the Sacred Rites which bring you into full Communion with the Church will begin. This is what we have been working toward the last several months.

For everybody. The Presentation of the Elect, The Blessing of the Water, The Baptisms, The Reception into Full Communion and the Celebration of Confirmation are an emotional and Spiritually invigorating experience.

So don’t be nervous. The details will be covered next Thursday.. You’ll have a script. We’ll keep you straight. Everybody WANTS you as part of our Community.

“Celebrating the Eucharist, the Center of Christian Life, is the Climax of the neophytes initiation”

In overwhelming joy we Celebrate the First Eucharist of Easter In overwhelming joy we Celebrate the First Eucharist of Easter....as a Community