The Busy Person s Guide to the Triduum PALM SUNDAY, HOLY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER VIGIL

The Busy Person s Guide to the Triduum PALM SUNDAY, HOLY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER VIGIL

It Is Our Solemn Duty Text: 2011, John G. Hibbard; v.1 based on Gal. 6.14. Tune: AURELIA, 76.76.D. It is our solemn duty To glory in the Cross Of Christ, who shows us mercy, Restoring our great loss. In Christ we find salvation, New life and liberty, The pledge of resurrection For all eternity. The eve of his great passion, Before he rose above, He gave the sacred mission To serve with steadfast love. The feet of each disciple He washed with this command: To follow his example, And serve with loving hand. In mem ry of salvation, Won by his precious Blood, We celebrate his Passion Of love s redeeming flood. This day he gave his Body And Blood to be our life, That we might know God s mercy, Which ends the devil s strife. And now we live in union With Christ, our Victim-Priest, Who offers the oblation At this the Paschal Feast. This is the spotless offering To God, who guides our days, The sacrifice unending That gives God perfect praise. O Lord, bestow compassion To give without reserve And thus fulfill your mission, As One who came to serve. May we proclaim your Gospel Of love to every land And be a true example Of all that you command.

Triduum Three Days - One Celebration Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday???? Jewish reckoning of time: sundown to sundown: Day One: Holy Thursday evening to Good Friday evening Day Two: Good Friday evening to Holy Saturday evening Day Three: Easter Vigil to Sunday evening

Triduum Three Days One Celebration Where to be celebrated? In cathedral and parochial churches and only in those churches in which they can be performed with dignity [solemnity], that is, with a good attendance of the faithful, an appropriate number of ministers, and the means to sing at least some of the parts. small communities should join together to carry out the sacred celebrations in a more noble manner. [Roman Missal and PS, 43]

Primary Musical Elements of the Triduum those parts which should always be sung, namely: the general intercessions of Good Friday; the deacon s invitation and the acclamation of the people; chants for the showing and veneration of the cross; the acclamations during the procession with the paschal candle and the Easter proclamation, the responsorial Alleluia, the litany of the saints, and the acclamation after the blessing of water.

Other Chants chants to accompany the procession with the Holy oils; chants to accompany the procession with the gifts on Holy Thursday, and hymns to accompany the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the place of repose; the responsorial psalms at the Easter Vigil, and chants to accompany the sprinkling with blessed water. Music should be provided for the passion narrative, the Easter proclamation, and the blessing of baptismal water. Obviously, the melodies should be of a simple nature in order to facilitate their use.

Triduum Three Days One Celebration Integrity of the Triduum What about a cluster of churches or parishes? Option presented in Roman Missal is everything in one church Maintain the Integral Unity of the Triduum; Through the consistency of the assembly; Through the Reservation of the Eucharist. The Eucharist consecrated at the Mass of the Lord s Supper must be used for the Communion at the Lord s Passion The same congregation and Priest also assure the unity of the celebration.

Triduum Three Days - One Celebration One celebration in a cluster: Can we put aside individuality and independence? Can ministers from each church work together? Can we share the sacrifice of Christ and discover the new life that flows from the sharing of our gifts?

Celebrating the Triduum: What are we doing? Putting on a play? Re-enacting the Passion of Christ? Recalling the Passion?

Celebrating the Paschal Mystery: What are we doing? The Liturgy uses the following words: Recall Celebrate Live the memorial Enter into the Paschal Mystery Participate in the mystery

Celebrating the Paschal Mystery: What are we doing? Entering into the Mystery of the Liturgy God acts among us God s presence is a mediated (sacramental) presence through sign and symbol We accept and communicate with God Our awareness and response is also mediated through sign and symbol: Biblical and Prayer texts, Singing and Music: hymns, chants, acclamations Silence and reflection Actions (processions, gestures, postures, etc.) The sacramental celebration become the common link between God and humanity

Celebrating the Paschal Mystery: What are we doing? Parish Retreat: 3 Days of Prayer Abandon our usual schedule Fasting and Simple Meals to free us from routine work Make preparations ahead of time Time to watch and pray and walk with Christ

Celebrating the Paschal Mystery Active participation involves body, soul and spirit An act of the incarnation involves the total person.

Palm Sunday

Focal Points Palm Sunday Palms and Procession Movement and singing Reading of the Passion Listening and reflecting Eucharist and Procession Offering and receiving

Palm Sunday Procession with Palms Palm Sunday opens with a rite that can be dramatic and full of meaning. It commemorates Our Lord s journey from Bethany to Jerusalem. with the people accompanying him, singing Hosannas, and waving palm branches. The rite focuses on the procession and the participation of the assembly in the procession. Every reasonable effort should be made to involve the people in the blessing and procession by inviting them to the entrance of the church or other suitable place.

Palm Sunday Procession with Palms The Procession takes us back in spirit to the first Palm Sunday. We start out from Bethany, the place of the blessing, to our Jerusalem, the parish church. In the Procession we actually accompany Christ. He is present in symbol on the Cross which leads the procession, in his representative the priest-celebrant, and finally in the community gathered in his name. We should see the Procession as an act of public loyalty to Christ our King as he goes forward to his bitter passion, for our sake. Our participation manifests our willingness to walk with Christ during Holy Week, as the saving events of our redemption are celebrated in the liturgy.

Palm Sunday Procession with Palms The Procession also looks to the future! On Palm Sunday we think of the day when we will enter the heavenly Jerusalem with Christ the King. But he came to Jerusalem to die and rise again; and so, we must die with him if we are to rise with him and possess the Kingdom.

Palm Sunday Procession with Palms Role of Music: Antiphon for the Gathering for the Blessing: Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest. (Matt. 21.9) Holy, Holy, Holy from the Mass

Palm Sunday Procession Order of the Procession Thurifer Candle-bearers and Cross Servers, Readers and all other Ministers carrying palm branches Deacon carrying a palm branch Priest carrying a palm branch People carrying palm branches Gospel Book is not carried in procession

How to Participate in the Procession

How to Participate in the Procession Rejoice and look happy, the Lord may be watching!!! Wave those palms!

Palm Sunday: Gospel of the Passion What is different? No Procession / no candles / no incense No Greeting (The Lord be with you) or signing of the Book Read by a Deacon or, if no Deacon, by a Priest. May be read by readers, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to a Priest. Only a Deacon asks for and receives the Priest s Blessing. Brief Homily and a period of silence may be observed.

Palm Sunday: Gospel of the Passion What about a Deacon and several Readers? The rubric indicates that the Presiding Priest is the last person to read the Gospel. The Deacon is the normal proclaimer of the Gospel and the Priest listens in preparation for giving the homily, therefore, the Deacon takes the part of Christ (see Ceremonial of Bishops, no. 273). If the Celebrant-Presider takes the part of Christ, the Deacon should take the part of the Narrator. What about the congregation taking the role of crowd?

The Sacred Triduum

Day 1: The Lord s Passion EVENING MASS OF THE LORD S SUPPER (Vigil of the Passion) Night Watch and Prayer Office of Readings and Morning Prayer CELEBRATION OF THE LORD S PASSION Stations of the Cross

Day One: Holy Thursday

The Lord s Passion Connection of Passover Meal to: Freedom from the Angel of Death Liberation from slavery Passover through the Red Sea Pledge of the Promised Land Connection of Last Supper to: Death on the Cross Liberation from slavery to sin and death Passover through Baptism from death to life Pledge of the Kingdom

Mass of the Lord s Supper Set in context of the Paschal Mystery - Entrance Antiphon: We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered. We Glory In the Mystery Text: 2011, John G. Hibbard; based on Gal. 6.14 and Ps 67. Tune: AURELIA, 76.76.D. 1. We glory in the myst ry The Cross of Jesus Christ, In whom we see God s mercy, Reversing our great loss. In Christ we find salvation, New life and liberty, The pledge of resurrection For all eternity. 2. O God, be kind and bless us And shed your light on us, So all will see your kindness And know your ways on earth; So nations learn salvation And see your saving help. Then will the peoples praise you; All peoples sing your praise.

Focal Points Holy Thursday Holy Oils and Procession Gospel and Washing of Feet Do not read Gospel during washing Eucharistic Procession

Mass of the Lord s Supper Day 1 What is different? Tabernacle stands empty The Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass may be presented in the Entrance procession While the Gloria in excelsis is being sung, bells are rung, they remain silent until the Gloria in excelsis of the Easter Vigil. Likewise, the organ and other musical instruments may be used only to support the singing. Washing of Feet Procession of offerings and gifts for the poor Communion under both kinds No Blessing or Dismissal Procession of the Holy Eucharist to the Place of Reservation

Mass of the Lord s Supper Day 1 Difficult elements Washing of Feet Hard to get people to volunteer Men only / men and women? Washing of hands / Polishing of shoes? Priest washes parishioners feet or parishioners wash each other s feet Where to do it? Communion under both kinds

Mass of the Lord s Supper Day 1 Love and Unity LOVE and UNITY, Eucharist is both the sign and the source for Christian people. We eat the one Bread and drink the one Cup, that makes us one. ONE celebration so that all are fed from the one Sacrament of this Mass only. Our Lord washed the feet of his Apostles to show them how they must likewise love one another, and said, I give you a new commandment: Love one another just as I have loved you, you must love one another. (Jn. 13:34) The love of neighbour (social concern) should be the distinctive mark of all who celebrate and receive the Eucharist. We receive Christ, and by this we are put into communion with them. In our love, we cannot separate Christ from the members of His Body. Alms (CCODP Collection)

Mass of the Lord s Supper Day 1 Love and Unity Communion may be carried to the sick from the Table of the evening celebration. In this way, those who are unable to be present are joined to the assembly and the Lord. At an appropriate time, the altar is stripped and, if possible, the crosses are removed from the church. Crosses which remain in the church are veiled. The faithful are invited to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable length of time during the night, but after midnight the adoration should take place without solemnity. Tabernacle should not look like a tomb.

Mass of the Lord s Supper Day 1 The Chants Presentation of the Oils: Thanks be to God Or: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Hymn for the Procession of the Holy Eucharist

Holy Thursday After Mass, the altar should be stripped. Crosses in the church are removed or be covered with a red or purple veil. Candles and Lamps should not be lit before the images of saints.

Day One Passion of the Lord

Focal Points Good Friday Reading of the Passion Listening and reflecting Adoring the Cross and Procession Acclamation and adoration Communion and Procession Act of unity in receiving and singing and processing

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 What is different No Sacraments, except Penance and Anointing of the Sick. Holy Communion only to the faithful within the celebration of the Lord s Passion; to the sick at any time. The altar is completely bare: no cross, no candles, no cloths. Diocesan Bishop may permit the service to be repeated later. This liturgy by its very nature not to be celebrated in the absence of a Priest.

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Outline Three Parts Liturgy of the Word Adoration of the Cross Holy Communion Simplicity: No candles for Entrance or Gospel Candles only for Showing of the Cross and Bringing of the Eucharist Cloth and corporal placed on Altar before Communion Service No Blessing or Dismissal

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Outline Liturgy of the Word Prayer First Reading Psalm Second Reading Acclamation Reading of the Passion (as Palm Sunday) Homily Solemn Intercessions

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Outline Adoration of the Cross Showing of the Cross Adoration of the Cross (Communal and Individual) Music Placing or Enthronement of the Cross

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Adoration of the Cross 2 Forms for Showing of the Cross Unveiling of the Cross (purple veil????) takes place in the sanctuary (no procession) Deacon brings Cross to Priest in middle of the sanctuary in front of Altar Unveiling done by Priest Procession of the Cross Starts at entrance to the Nave (Body of the Church) Carried out by Deacon or Priest 3 stops (first 2 in aisle; third in front of Altar)

Unveiling of the Cross Silent adoration after each unveiling

Procession of the Cross Silent adoration after each stop

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Outline Holy Communion Preparing the Altar Bringing the Eucharist to the Altar (Deacon or Priest) Lord s Prayer with embolism (Deliver us, Lord) Invitation to Communion Communion with Singing Prayer after Communion [Announcements] Dismissal

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Tone of the Celebration Solemn, not Sorrowful Cannot separate the Passion and Death of Christ from the Victory of the Resurrection Gospel of John: the glorious Jesus Red Vestments

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 What is difficult? Only one Cross should be offered for adoration. If, because of the large number of people, it is not possible for all to approach individually, the Priest, after some of the clergy and faithful have adored, takes the Cross and, standing in the middle before the altar, invites the people in a few words to adore the Holy Cross and afterwards holds the Cross elevated higher for a brief time, for the faithful to adore it in silence. Cross or Crucifix? When is the Collection taken up? After the Solemn Intercessions After the Adoration of the Cross After the Celebration as the people leave

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 A different Celebration Different Usual No cloths or candles at Altar Liturgy of the Word Entrance Procession in silence Prostration of the Clergy Our Father and Reception of Communion Solemn Intercessions Adoration of the Cross No Celebration of the Eucharist No Sign of Peace No Blessing and Dismissal

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 - Music No Entrance Hymn or Chant Responsorial Psalm Organ and instruments played only to accompany singing Gospel Acclamation Hymn during the Veneration of the Cross Hymn for the Communion Procession No Recessional Hymn

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Singing the Chants Solemn Intercessions If no Deacon, a Priest or cantor may sing the introductions Adoration of the Cross If Priest or Deacon cannot sing, then a Cantor may sing the Behold the wood of the Cross

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Music for the Assembly Proclamation of the Gospel: Acclamation at certain points: CBW III, no 442: Praise to you, O Christ our Saviour Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again! Jesus, remember me.. (Taize) Veneration of the Cross: Come, let us adore.

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 After the celebration, the altar is stripped, but the Cross remains on the altar with two or four candlesticks.

Celebration of the Lord s Passion Day 1 Stations of the Cross Friday morning or evening?

Day Two Holy Saturday

Day 2: The Lord s Entombment (Holy Saturday) Office of Readings / Morning Prayer Preparation Rites for the Elect Evening Prayer

Day 2: The Lord s Entombment (Holy Saturday) What is Different? The Church waits at the Lord s tomb in prayer and fasting, meditating on his Passion and Death and on his Descent into Hell, and awaiting his Resurrection. The Church abstains from the Sacrifice of the Mass, with the sacred table left bare. Holy Communion may only be given on this day as Viaticum.

Day 3: The Lord s Resurrection (Easter Vigil and Sunday) EASTER VIGIL EASTER SUNDAY Evening Prayer

Day 3: The Lord s Resurrection (The Easter Vigil) What is a Vigil? By most ancient tradition, this is the night of keeping watch for the Lord (Ex 12: 42), in which, following the Gospel admonition (Lk 12: 35-37), the faithful, carrying lighted lamps in their hands, should be like those looking for the Lord when he returns, so that at his coming he may find them awake and have them sit at his table.

Day 3: The Lord s Resurrection (The Easter Vigil) What do we do? The Vigil is arranged in such a way that after the Lucernarium and Easter Proclamation, holy Church meditates on the wonders the Lord God has done for his people from the beginning, trusting in his word and promise until, as day approaches, with new members reborn in Baptism, the Church is called to the table the Lord has prepared for his people, the memorial of his Death and Resurrection until he comes again. Not the usual Saturday evening Mass Candles should be prepared for all who participate in the Vigil. The lights of the church are extinguished.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil When do we do it? The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on the Sunday. There is to be only one celebration in each church.

Day 3 - Focal Points Easter Vigil Candle and Procession Alleluia and Gospel Baptism (Font) and Procession Eucharist and Procession

Paschal Candle MUST be made of wax, never be artificial, for effective symbolism, be renewed each year, be only one in number, and be of sufficiently large size so that it may evoke the truth that Christ is the light of the world.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part One - LUCERNARIUM (Service of Light) Priest s Introduction Blessing of the Fire Preparation of the Candle Lighting of the Candle Procession Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part One - LUCERNARIUM (Service of Light) Chants (my be done by a cantor) The Light of Christ: Thanks be to God. Amen. Easter Proclamation

Procession with the Paschal Candle Order of Procession: Thurifer Deacon or minister carrying the candle Priest carrying an unlit candle Ministers and people carrying unlit candles

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Two Liturgy of the Word 9 readings 7 Old Testament and 2 from the New (the Epistle and Gospel), All of which should be read whenever this can be done For serious pastoral circumstances, the readings from the Old Testament may be reduced to 3. Exodus 14 with its canticle is never omitted. A period of silence may replace the Responsorial Psalms.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Two Liturgy of the Word Pattern: Reading Silence [and Psalm] Prayer After the last reading from the Old Testament with its Responsorial Psalm and its prayer, the altar candles are lit, and the Priest intones the hymn Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest), which is taken up by all, while bells are rung, according to local custom.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Two Liturgy of the Word The Solemn Alleluia After the Epistle has been read, all rise, then the Priest solemnly intones the Alleluia three times, raising his voice by a step each time, with all repeating it. If necessary, the psalmist intones the Alleluia. Then the psalmist or cantor proclaims Psalm 118 (117) with the people responding Alleluia.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Two Liturgy of the Word Gospel Acclamation is Psalm 118 Solemn Procession around the Church? The Gospel Incense, but no candles

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Two Liturgy of the Word Chants Glory to God Refrains of the Psalms Solemn Alleluia!

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Three - Baptismal Liturgy After the Homily the Baptismal Liturgy begins. The Priest goes with the ministers to the baptismal font, if this can be seen by the faithful. Otherwise a vessel with water is placed in the sanctuary. Catechumens, if there are any, are called forward and presented by their godparents in front of the assembled Church or, if they are small children, are carried by their parents and godparents. Then, if there is to be a procession to the baptistery or to the font, it forms immediately. A minister with the paschal candle leads off, and those to be baptized follow him with their godparents, then the ministers, the Deacon, and the Priest. During the procession, the Litany (no. 43) is sung. When the Litany is completed, the Priest gives the address (no. 40). If, however, the Baptismal Liturgy takes place in the sanctuary, the Priest immediately makes an introductory statement in these or similar words.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Three - Baptismal Liturgy Priest s Introduction Procession to Font with Litany of Saints Blessing of Water Renunciation (collectively) and Procession of Faith with Candidates (individually) Baptism Renewal of Baptismal Promises (with Renunciation and Profession of Faith) Sprinkling with Holy Water Return to Sanctuary and Confirmation Universal Prayer Prayer of the Faithful

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Three - Baptismal Liturgy Chants Litany of Saints Acclamations during the Blessing of Water Springs of water, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all for ever. Acclamation or Chant during the Sprinkling: I saw water flowing from the Temple, from its right-hand side, alleluia; and all to whom this water came were saved and shall say: Alleluia, alleluia. Response to Prayer of the Faithful

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Three - Baptismal Liturgy From the Temple I Saw Water Text: based on Latin: Vidi aquam; 2012, John G. Hibbard. Tune: LAUDA ANIMA, 87.87.87. From the temple I saw water, Flowing down and running free; All who came forth to this river Were redeemed and sang with glee! R. Alleluia! Alleluia! Living waters flowing free! I Saw the Living Water Flow Text: based on Latin: Vidi aquam 2012, John G. Hibbard. Tune: O FILII ET FILIAE, 88.84. with alleluias. V. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! R. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! I saw the living water flow Out of the temple curing woe; For life anew it does bestow.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Four - Liturgy Of The Eucharist Procession of Offerings: It is desirable that the bread and wine be brought forward by the newly baptized or, if they are children, by their parents or godparents. In the Eucharistic Prayer, a commemoration is made of the baptized and their godparents in accord with the formulas which are found in the Roman Missal and Roman Ritual for each of the Eucharistic Prayers. Invitation to Communion: Before the Ecce Agnus Dei (Behold the Lamb of God), the Priest may briefly address the newly baptized about receiving their first Communion and about the excellence of this great mystery, which is the climax of Initiation and the center of the whole of Christian life. Communion: It is desirable that the newly baptized receive Holy Communion under both kinds, together with their godfathers, godmothers, and Catholic parents and spouses, as well as their lay catechists. It is even appropriate that, with the consent of the Diocesan Bishop, where the occasion suggests this, all the faithful be admitted to Holy Communion under both kinds.

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Four - Liturgy Of The Eucharist Chants and Music: Preface Dialogue Eucharistic Acclamations Lamb of God Hymn for the Communion Procession Dismissal

Day 3: The Easter Vigil Part Four - Liturgy Of The Eucharist The paschal candle is lit in all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of this period.

Day Three Easter Sunday Mass is to be celebrated on Easter Day with great solemnity. It is appropriate that the penitential rite on this day take the form of a sprinkling with water blessed at the Vigil, during which the antiphon Vidi aquam or some other song of baptismal character should be sung. The fonts of the church should also be filled with the water blessed at the Vigil. In Canada and the United States, the Renewal of Baptismal Promises and Rite of Sprinkling may be celebrated and replaces the Creed.

50 Days of Easter Blessing and Sprinkling with Holy Water may replace the Penitential Act on the Sundays of Easter

How NOT to Sprinkle Holy Water