The Lenten season should be concluded, both for the individual Christian as well as for the whole Christian community, with a penitential celebration, and confession as spiritual preparation for the Easter Triduum which celebrates the crucified, buried and risen Lord.

Over Thursday to Sunday we celebrate a single mystery.  The liturgical opening of Holy Thursday opens the one liturgy which comes to a close with the solemn blessing at the end of the Easter Vigil.

The celebration of the Lord’s Supper is the highlight of Holy Thursday.  We remember and re-enact the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples feet by Jesus.  Holy Thursday reminds us of the importance of the Eucharist, and that for Christians the Eucharist and service to others go hand in hand.  Following the 7.30 p.m. Mass, there will be quiet prayer and adoration in the church for one hour.

On Good Friday we celebrate the passion and death of Jesus on the cross.  Jesus chose to bear our burdens and give his life that we might live; live life to the full on this earth and new life in eternity.  If you can, keep this a sacred day and try to attend one of the ceremonies.  There will be Morning Prayer at 10.00 a.m., Stations of the Cross for Children at 12 noon, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m. followed by confession and Stations of the Cross at 7.30 p.m., followed by 30 minutes of quiet reflective Taize prayer.

Daytime Holy Saturday is a time of waiting.  Our churches are left bare of decoration and no masses or ceremonies take place.  But come the fall of darkness all that changes, because Easter begins; the church is decorated, people assemble, candles are lit, joyful Easter songs are sung, and the Easter Vigil Mass begins.  This Easter Vigil Mass is the culmination of Holy Week.  The Lord is Risen, he is truly Risen, Alleluia.  There will be Morning Prayer at 10.00 a.m., followed by confession and the Easter Vigil at 9 p.m.

Masses on Easter Sunday are at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  There is NO 12.30 p.m, Mass.