Easter Triduum Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday Presentation by: Savannah Hosea April 2, 2012

Easter Triduum Easter Triduum, which means “three days”, marks the end of Lent and begins the Easter celebration. Holy Thursday honors The Last Supper when Jesus shared his last Passover meal with his disciples. After the Last Supper, Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane and turned him over to authorities. Good Friday, the second day in the Easter Triduum, symbolizes the Passion of the Christ and the Crucifixion. Holy Saturday marks the end of Lent and begin preparations for the Resurrection. The Easter Vigil begins at sundown on Holy Saturday, which marks the beginning of the Easter celebration, since sundown marks the beginning of the next day. The Easter Vigil celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus with the Baptism and Confirmation of the candidates joining the Catholic Faith.

Holy Thursday Easter Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The Church bells are rung and then remain silent until the Eatser Vigil. The Mass includes the washing of the feet and it is the only Mass held on Holy Thursday. The washing of the feet is a symbol of the service we as Christians are called to live. The Last Supper is where Jesus gave us the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper ends with a procession of the Eucharist. The altar is then stripped bare at the end of the mass. Reflection: Jesus wants us to do the right things and be able to do things for others. God, I pray that all people will make good decisions and think about the way your son, Jesus would serve and treat others. Amen.

Holy Thursday -The Last Supper Before sharing the Passover meal, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. Jesus showed his disciples that they are to serve each other as he served them. At the last Supper, Jesus explained to his disciples that he would soon leave them. As they reclined and ate, Jesus took the matzo bread and broke it and said “take this and eat it, for this my body.” Then he blessed the cup and passed it around and said, “drink this, for this is my blood.” At the last Supper, Jesus explained to his disciples that he would soon leave them. As they reclined and ate, Jesus took the matzo bread and broke it and said “take this and eat it, for this my body.” Then he blessed the cup and passed it around and said, “drink this, for this is my blood.” At the Last Supper, Jesus explained to his disciples that one of them would betray him. The one that he would give a piece of bread to. After receiving the bread, Judas left the upper room and walked out into the night.

Passover Seder Meal and Traditions In the New Testament, Jesus commanded us to remember His death by observing The Last Supper. The Passover Seder Meal includes the following foods : 3- Matzos (unleavened bread) Roasted Lamb Egg Maror (bitter herbs) Charoseth (chopped almonds, apple, wine, cinnamon and sugar) Salt Water Karpar (Celery, Parsley, Greens) Wine Seder Meal Celebration The Seder meal is accompanied by commentary, prayers and, where possible, songs. Since the Seder is a commemoration of the Exodus story, it is strongly recommended that prior to the celebration all participants read and reflect on the scripture account of this event which is found in chapters seven through thirteen of the book of Exodus. This account serves as an excellent family Lenten reading program, and reflection on it will greatly enhance the celebration of the Seder.

Good Friday Pontius Pilate condemning Jesus. Jesus carrying his cross. Jesus dies on the cross. Time Line of Jesus’ Day 6am – Jesus stands trial before Pilate. Jesus was sent to Herrod. 7am – Jesus returned to Pilate Jesus is sentenced to death. 8am – Jesus is led away to Calvary. 9am – Jesus is Crucified on the cross. 10am – Jesus is mocked and insulted. 11am – Jesus speaks to the criminal. Jesus speaks to Mary and John. 12am - Darkness covers the land. 1pm – Jesus cries out to his father. 2pm – Jesus dies on the cross. 3pm – Earthquake shook the land. Good Friday is a day of fasting. The only Sacraments celebrated are Baptism, Penance, and the Anointing of the Sick. During this time, holy water, candle sticks, crosses, and altar cloths are removed or covered. Church bells are silent during this time. The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord is observed at 3pm. Reflection: Lord, cleanse me from within. Help me not to be so concerned about what people think of me on the outside. Help me to have a clean heart. I thank you very much for letting your son die for our sins. I feel a sense of salvation and commitment not having to go around worried through my life of things I did wrong. Amen.

Stations of the Cross gg Stations of the Cross Depressing Moment WebsitesSelf Knowledge Teacher Sorrow Eternal Life Deliverance of Jesus Sacrifice Humility Injustice Salvation Surrendering Cross Calvary Crucifixion Redeemer

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil The Easter Vigil has four parts: The Service of Light – Paschal Candle is lit from a blessed fire outside of church. The Paschal candle is taken into the dark church where the congregation lights their candles. This section ends with the singing of the Easter Proclamation, the Exsultet. The Liturgy of the Word- 7 readings take place. 3 are from the Old Testament. The Liturgy of Baptism – Baptisms take place for those who have been preparing for Baptism. After the Baptisms, all stand and renew their Baptismal promises. The Liturgy of the Eucharist – all Baptized and confirmed receive Communion. Symbols Of Easter Triduum Bread and the cup of wine recall the institution of the Eucharist by Our Lord at the Last Supper. The cross recalls the crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good Friday. The Paschal Candle and water represent the light and new life of Christ's resurrection and of our baptism. Liturgical Colors for Each Mass Celebration Holy Thursday - white is used to signify the joyful events this liturgy recalls. Good Friday - Red for the passion and death of Jesus. Easter Vigil - white or gold of Christ's resurrection. Reflection: Jesus is the light of the world and has overcome all sins and death. Lord, Thank you for your deliverance. As I humbly serve in your glory, your strength and love guide me here on Earth. I look forward to the day that I, too, will be with you in Heaven. Amen.

Summary Easter Triduum is the three days before Easter and consist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Holy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper which brought us the Sacrament of Communion. Good Friday represents the day that Jesus was condemned and crucified. After being condemned to death by Pilate, Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha where he was crucified. The journey to Golgotha with his cross gave us the stations of the cross that we pray over during the Easter season. The Easter Vigil celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus and the Baptisms of the new members of the Catholic faith. Easter Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, allows us to celebrate the last days of Jesus’ life and reflect on the many things he taught us. The Joy of the Cross: The cross teaches us to love and serve the Lord every day and be servants of Christ.

Easter Prayer Lord, Glory and praise to your risen Savior, You bring light to our darkness and happiness to our sadness. You fill our hearts full of love and now you have conquered all sin and evil. From your Resurrection we have been set free. Please Lord, fill our hearts with light and grace through this Easter Triduum. Amen.