PASCHAL TRIDUUM
The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. It reaches its high point at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and ends with the Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. The Triduum is the summit of the Liturgical Year commemorating Christ’s Paschal Mystery – Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. Please join us as we celebrate this holy time in our Church’s liturgical year.
HOLY THURSDAY
Thursday, March 28
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:30 P.M.
Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when Christ established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass. He also established the special priesthood for his disciples. Christ washed the feet of his disciples, who would become the first priests. We continue the tradition here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with The Washing of Feet during the Holy Thursday liturgy.
There is a tradition of spending time at the altars of repose of seven churches on Holy Thursday. This tradition corresponds to the seven stations that were made by Our Lord between the Last Supper and His crucifixion. All are invited to stay and keep watch in Eucharistic Adoration after our Holy Thursday Mass.
GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, March 29
Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. Today we read the Passion of the Lord according to Saint John.
Ecumenical Walk 1 P.M.
The Ecumenical Walk starts at Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 97 Highwood Avenue, Tenafly with stops at select churches for scripture readings and prayers. It ends at Trinity Lutheran Church (430 Knickerbocker Road) around 3 PM. It is not necessary to complete the walk to participate.
Passion of the Lord & Holy Communion 7:30 P.M.
According to the Church’s ancient tradition, Mass is not celebrated today. The celebration of the Lord’s Passion consists of the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
HOLY SATURDAY
Saturday, March 30
Today we wait at the Lord’s tomb, meditating on Christ’s suffering and death. During the night, we anticipate Christ’s resurrection at the vigil Mass, leading into the celebration of Easter, and continuing for fifty days of the Easter Season.
Blessing of Easter Food Baskets 12 NOON
The blessing of Easter foods on Holy Saturday has been an important tradition in many families of different ethnic backgrounds. Several foods have symbolic meaning:
eggs – symbolize life and Christ’s resurrection
bread – symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life
lamb – represents Christ, the Paschal Lamb
salt – represents purification
horseradish – symbolic of the bitter sacrifice of Christ
ham – symbolic of great joy and abundance
The priests of Our Lady of Mount Carmel invite you to bring your Easter food baskets to the Church on Holy Saturday, March 30th for a special blessing at 12 Noon.
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night 8 P.M.
By ancient tradition, this is the night of keeping vigil for the Lord. The vigil is divided into four parts: Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Join us for this beautiful liturgy as we recount the outstanding deeds of the history of salvation.
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, March 31
Mass Times 8 A.M., 10 A.M., 12 NOON