Customs of the Triduum

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

The first day of the Triduum begins in the Upper Room with Jesus sharing His Body and Blood in bread and wine. The re-enactment of the Washing of the Disciples Feet takes place at this mass also.

The Stripping of the Altar:

At the end of Mass on Holy Thursday, all the altar coverings and decorations are removed, symbolizing the fact that Christ was stripped of His garments upon His arrest.

The Veneration of the Cross:
The Good Friday liturgy features a reading of the Passion according to St. John, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion as well as prayers for the Church and the whole world.

Easter Vigil:

The selected set of readings for the Easter Vigil follows the story of salvation from God’s creation of the world, the sparing of Noah and his family from the flood and the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ rising from the grave to redeem all people.