What is the Paschal Triduum?
Great question! Pashcal comes from the Greek word ‘pascha’ meaning ‘passover or Easter’ and Triduum is Latin for ‘three days’, and so we end up with a three day celebration around the time of Passover. It is the end of the Lenten season and is a mini-season all to itself. The Paschal Triduum is really one long liturgy, although we celebrate it over three days. You’ll notice that there is not a dismissal (“The Mass is ended…”) at the end of the Holy Thursday Mass. We leave in prayer and silence and return the next day for continued prayer. The Liturgy ends with the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.
Please join us April 6 – April 9, 2023 to celebrate the Paschal Triduum and Easter with us! We look forward to meeting our regular parishioners, Neenah neighbors, guests and visitors!
What is Holy Thursday?
Holy Thursday celebrates the beginning, or “institution”, of the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: the command of Jesus to repeat his actions and words “until he comes” does not only ask us to remember Jesus and what he did. It is directed at the liturgical celebration, by the apostles and their successors, of the memorial of Christ, of his life, of his death, of his Resurrection, and of his intercession in the presence of the Father. CCC 1341
As such, the Catholic Church celebrates the Eucharist at every Mass, every day all over the world. Holy Thursday is a remembrance of the first time that Jesus tells his followers what they are to do after he is gone. He clearly states that He is truly present in his Body and Blood. From that day on, Scripture tells us in the Acts of the Apostles They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers….day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts. Acts 2:42:46
This Mass also celebrates the Institution of Holy Orders. Jesus models the servant leadership of priesthood, and washes the feet of his disciples, a practice still done today during Holy Thursday Masses. In this Mass, Jesus makes it clear that he is the Passover Lamb, and invites his followers to pray with him in the hours before his crucifixion.
Mass on Holy Thursday will begin at 7:00 pm with an opportunity for Adoration to follow until midnight.
What is Good Friday?
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is not a Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation, as it is a continuation of the Mass that began on Holy Thursday. Rather, it is a Solemn Liturgy that all are invited to enter into as we contemplate the torture and crucifixion of Jesus.
The Good Friday Solemn Liturgy includes a time of Veneration of the Cross. All are welcome to venerate, or honor, the cross in whatever way you feel comfortable. Some choose to kiss the cross, while others prefer to genuflect, bow or kneel, or gently touch the cross. It is a moment to be up close and personal with the cross – – the same cross that crucified the Savior of the World is the same cross that has Redeemed us.
Please join us for Good Friday Solemn Liturgy at 1:00 pm on April 7th.
What is Easter Vigil?
Easter Vigil is the culmination of the Paschal Triduum and marks the passage of Jesus Christ from death to resurrection, from darkness into light. This Mass always starts after sundown the night before Easter Sunday. We begin outside near the fire pit on Geiger Street and process into church by candlelight.
The Mass recounts all of Salvation History through readings, prayer and song and includes Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation for new members to the Catholic faith. The sights, sounds, and smells of this Mass add to the joyful anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus. We are an Easter People!
Please note, due to the holy and unique nature of this Mass, it will be significantly longer than a regular weekend Mass. Plan for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Please join us for Easter Vigil on Saturday April 8, 2023 at 8:00 pm
What is The Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ refers to the actual rising to life from death of Jesus. In the days leading up to Easter Sunday, Jesus is tortured and abused in unfathomable ways. He dies on the cross on Good Friday and is laid in a tomb after he is removed from the cross. When all hope seemed lost, when all purpose seemed extinguished, Jesus is raised from the dead.
Scripture is filled with post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, from many sources. We can be assured that Jesus really did rise from the dead. We can also be assured that no matter how great our burden, our Lord knows well our struggle. Christ defeated death itself and returned from the dead to be with each and every one of us. We invite you into a deeper relationship with Jesus this Easter season! Find Hope, Joy, Peace and Love in Jesus. We are happy you are here!
Please join us for Easter Sunday Masses on April 9th at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, or 5:00 pm. Happy Easter!