The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. It reaches its high point at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and ends with the Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. The Triduum is the summit of the Liturgical Year commemorating Christ’s Paschal Mystery – Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.

HOLY THURSDAY

Thursday, April 18

Mass of the Lord’s Supper

7:30 PM

The Washing of Feet

The Altar of Repose Pilgrimage follows Mass

Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

follows Mass until 11 PM

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when Christ established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass. He also establishes the special priesthood for his disciples. Christ washed the feet of his disciples, who would become the first priests.

The priests and deacons of Our Lady of Mount Carmel invite you to participate in the fulfillment of the Gospel mandate to literally imitate Jesus and wash the feet of his disciples. Everyone, of every age, is welcome to participate. The tradition of spending time at the altars of repose of seven churches on Holy Thursday corresponds to the seven stations that were made by Our Lord between the Last Supper and His crucifixion. We are pleased to bring this tradition to our parish. Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass until 11 PM.

GOOD FRIDAY

Friday, April 19

Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Outdoor Stations of the Cross

10 AM

Outdoor Stations of the Cross in memory of Sr. Trinity, MFIC will take place at the Franciscan Mission Convent, 253 Knickerbocker Road, Tenafly.

Ecumenical Walk

1 PM

The Ecumenical Walk starts at Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 97 Highwood Avenue, Tenafly with stops at selected churches for scripture readings and prayers. The Ecumenical Walk ends at Trinity Lutheran Church (430 Knickerbocker Road) around 3 PM. It is not necessary to complete the walk to participate.

Passion of the Lord & Holy Communion

7:30 PM

We commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ with a reading of the Passion according to Saint John.

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise you, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

HOLY SATURDAY

Saturday, April 20

Blessing of Easter Food Baskets

12 NOON

The blessing of Easter foods on Holy Saturday has been an important tradition in many families of different ethnic backgrounds. We invite you to bring your baskets of food to the Church at 12 Noon to be blessed. Families will bring varied foods to be blessed. Several foods have symbolic meaning:

eggs – symbolize life and Christ’s resurrection

bread – symbolic of Jesus, the Bread of Life

lamb – represents Christ, the Paschal Lamb

salt – represents purification

horseradish – symbolic of the bitter sacrifice of Christ

ham – symbolic of great joy and abundance

The priests of Our Lady of Mount Carmel extend to you an invitation to bring your Easter food baskets to the Church on Holy Saturday, April 20th for a special blessing at 12 Noon.

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night

8 PM

By ancient tradition, this is the night of keeping vigil for the Lord. The vigil is divided into four parts: Service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Join us for this beautiful liturgy as we recount the outstanding deeds of the history of salvation and celebrate the reception of sacraments of the catechumen who have been studying in our parish’s RCIA program.

We look forward to celebrating this beautiful liturgy with you, your family and friends. Join us outside of the Church as we light and bless the Easter fire.

EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday, April 21

Mass Times

8 AM, 10 AM, 12 NOON