Holy Thursday: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper

At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the holy oils consecrated by Archbishop Jose Gomez the previous Monday at the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels are presented to the parish. The oil of the sick will serve to anoint those
who suffer illness. The oil of the catechumens will anoint those preparing for baptism. The sacred chrism, oil mixed with sweet perfume, will consecrate the baptized who are to be sealed with the Holy Spirit, and those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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The Scripture readings at this Mass take us from the Exodus story of Israel’s preparations for the flight from Egypt to John’s account of the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, commanding us to do what he has done. In obedience we wash one another’s feet. Then, after celebrating the Eucharist, we process with the Body of Christ from the church to the altar of repose. Remembering the prayer and anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we spend time in prayerful reflection and in adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.​

Good Friday: The Passion of the Lord

The liturgy begins with a silent procession and the priest and deacons lying prostrate before the altar. The proclamation of the scriptures reaches its highpoint in the choral, sung account of the crucifixion from John’s Gospel. A large wooden cross is processed through the community. ​The assembly then venerates the cross, “on which hung the savior of the world,” with a kiss or touch, treasuring what the Lord Jesus has done for us. The service continues with the reception of Holy Communion, consecrated the night before at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper after which all depart in silence. The cross is displayed in the church throughout the afternoon for those who wish to visit and pray.

Living station of the cross are prayed in the backyard behind the Serra Center, with parishioners taking on the roles from within the passion narrative. With the construction of the youth center, the location may well take place elsewhere this year.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil

The Easter Vigil, the culmination of the Sacred Triduum is the “night of nights.” It begins with the blessing of a bonfire in the courtyard, representing the light of Christ, from which the new Paschal Candle is lit. The faithful, along with the catechumens carry tapers, lit from the holy fire, and process into the darkened church. In keeping vigil, a number of key scripture passages are proclaimed, reminding us of the many ways God broke into the world, to create it, and to save us, culminating in the gospel account of Jesus’ rising from the dead. New Christians are initiated through the sacraments of baptism, by full immersion in the parish’s beautiful font, confirmation and first reception of the Eucharist.

A joyful reception is held after the Mass to congratulate the newly initiated and to celebrate the great feast of Easter. All are welcome. Seats and parking are plentiful!

Easter Sunday​

Alleluia! On this morning we celebrate the great triumph of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, renewing our commitment to the building of his kingdom in the renewal of our baptismal vows.