Holy Week Services at Sts. MM&M
From Palm Sunday through Easter: A Journey of Love and Redemption
Service Times
- April 13th, Palm Sunday, 8:30 am & 10:30 am (English), 12:30 pm (Spanish)
- April 17th, Maundy Thursday, 7:00 pm (Bi-Lingual)
- April 18th, Good Friday, 8:00 am (English), 7:00 pm (Bi-Lingual): Mediation Offered at Noon
- April 19th, The Great Vigil of Easter, 7:00 pm (Bi-Lingual)
- April 20th, Easter Sunday, 10:00 am (English) Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch afterwards, 12:30 pm (Spanish)
Walking Through Holy Week: A Journey of Love and Redemption
Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Christian year, inviting us to walk with Christ through his passion, death, and resurrection. Each service immerses us in the unfolding drama of our salvation, calling us to deeper faith and reflection.
Palm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry
We begin with shouts of "Hosanna!" as we recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, greeted as a king. Yet the same crowd that welcomes him will soon call for his crucifixion. Palm Sunday sets the stage for Holy Week’s tension between triumph and suffering, reminding us that true kingship is found in humility and sacrifice.
Maundy Thursday – The Commandment to Love
On this night, Jesus gathers with his disciples for the Last Supper, giving us the Eucharist and the commandment to love one another. We also remember his act of humble service in washing their feet. The service ends in darkness as the altar is stripped, marking Jesus' betrayal and abandonment.
Good Friday – The Cross and Our Redemption
We stand at the foot of the cross, witnessing the depths of God’s love. Through solemn prayers, scripture, and veneration of the cross, we remember Christ’s suffering and death. This stark and somber service invites us into the mystery of redemption—God’s love poured out even in the face of violence and rejection.
The Great Vigil of Easter – Light in the Darkness
This is the Church’s most ancient and dramatic liturgy. We begin in darkness, hearing the great story of salvation, from creation to resurrection. Then, the first light of Easter breaks forth as we proclaim, “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” It is a night of baptism, renewal, and rejoicing—the moment when death is shattered, and new life begins.
Easter Sunday – The Joy of Resurrection
With the empty tomb before us, we celebrate the victory of life over death! Easter Sunday is the culmination of our journey, affirming that love has the final word. We rejoice in Christ’s resurrection and our call to share this good news with the world.
As we walk through Holy Week, may we open our hearts to the mystery of God’s love, journeying from the cross to the empty tomb with faith and hope.
Would you like me to add anything, such as specific hymns or scripture references?
