Holy Week 2010

The Catholic Community will observe Holy Week (the week of March 29) with a series of special services that explore the central mystery of our faith: the nature and meaning of life -- life here on earth and eternal life.

These services include some of the Church's most ancient and meaningful traditions and rituals. Washing of the feet. Veneration of the cross. Renewal of baptismal promises. More about Holy Week rituals.

All services are in Harkness Chapel. Note that because of Spring Break, there will be no Palm/Passion Sunday mass at the College this year. The schedule is:

Service of Penance and Reconciliation. Wednesday, March 31, 5 p.m.
After a communal penance service, Father Larry or a visiting priest can hear your confession. Not sure how to make a good confession? The Archdiocese of Boston has some advice.

Liturgy of the Lord's Supper. Holy Thursday, April 1, 5 p.m.
We commemorate the Last Supper and remember how great a gift the Eucharist is. The roots of this core Christian celebration are in the rituals of the Passover Seder. This year Holy Thursday coincides with the fourth night of Passover.

Liturgy of the Lord's Passion and Death. Good Friday, April 2, 5 p.m.
We "stand beneath the cross" with Christians around the world. What's the meaning of Christ's passion?

Vigil of Easter. Saturday, April 3, 8 p.m.
A joyous celebration begins symbolically in darkness as we wait for Christ to bring light to our lives and the world. We start with the blessing of the new fire at the Chapel pit and then process into the Chapel for readings, music, prayers and a celebration that is the central liturgy of the Church year. Mass will be followed by a reception in the Chapel library. There is no mass at 5 p.m. If you can't attend, you are welcome to participate in the Easter liturgy at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Coast Guard Academy chapel.