GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is celebrating the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
The three-day period known as the Easter Triduum marks the final three days of Holy Week. The summit of the Liturgical Year runs from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday:
- Mass of the Lord's Supper
- Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
- Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord
"They really allow us to relive those final days of Christ's life and come to understand what his death and resurrection mean for us today, which is new life in him," Annalise Laumeyer, Director of Communications for the diocese, told WOOD Radio in a phone interview.
At the time of publication, Holy Thursday masses were about to be held at parishes throughout the diocese at 7 p.m., marking the end of the Lenten season. The Christian bible says Jesus Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, instituted the Eucharist and told them to love each other. To demonstrate humility and service, He washed his disciple's feet and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
On Good Friday, Bishop David Walkowiak will begin the celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m., the time of suffering leading up to and including Christ’s death on the cross. This liturgy includes prayers, the Scriptural proclamation of Christ’s Passion and veneration of the cross.
According to a diocese news release, at 9:15 p.m. on Holy Saturday, Bishop Walkowiak will preside at the Easter Vigil. Parish communities throughout the diocese - including the cathedral - will welcome new members during this Mass.
"And we're super excited this year. We have 484 people joining the Catholic church in West Michigan at the Easter vigil on Saturday night. This is our largest number since 2014. And it is such a testament to the Spirit at work here in West Michigan and the importance of faith in the life of people," Laumeyer said.
Across the diocese, that breaks down as 222 catechumens and 262 candidates. The Catechumens will receive baptism, first holy Communion and confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
And at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday (April 20), Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. The Easter celebration is the principal feast of the Catholic Church year.
"And so, we invite you to join us for any of these liturgies over the next few days. And even into following Sundays. Faith continues into our life beyond Easter. So, we invite you to check out a Catholic church near you," Laumeyer said.
Livestreams of all liturgies, except the Easter Vigil, will be available on the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, grdiocese.org and the diocesan YouTube channel.
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