Easter Triduum - April 2 -5

Preparing for and Celebrating the Easter Triduum - APRIL 2-5, 2026

The Easter Triduum is the highpoint of our Church year. The word Triduum means three. For a Catholic there is really nothing more important than gathering with the community to pray throughout these three days.

A liturgical day begins at sundown, so our first day is from sundown on Thursday to sundown on Friday. The second day is sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday and the third day is sundown on Saturday to sundown on Sunday. The Easter Triduum is really one liturgy that extends over the three days. We go home in-between to rest, pray and to ponder the mystery of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Holy Thursday : Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 8:00 p.m.

You are invited to bring non-perishable food items, gift cards for grocery stores or cash to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.  The bags of food or monetary gifts will be brought forward during the Preparation of the Gifts. Everyone is invited to come ready to have their feet washed.

Good Friday : Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

We will gather for the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion.  We do not celebrate Mass on Good Friday. It is the same liturgy at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.  Stations of the Cross will be led by our youth at 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday : Midday Prayer, Anointing of the Elect and Blessing of Easter Baskets 12:00 p.m.

Gather with the parish family to pray Midday Prayer. When many of our European ancestors came to Canada they brought traditions that add to the holiness of Easter.  One of the most popular is bringing a decorated Easter basket to the Church on Holy Saturday. You may put some of the food that will be used at your Easter breakfast as well as special treats such as chocolate, wine, or a special bread or dessert. When you arrive put your Easter basket at the front of the worship space where they will be blessed.  All are invited to this brief time of prayer.

Easter Vigil at 8:00 p.m.

St. Augustine called this vigil the “Mother of all Vigils”. We hear stories from Scripture, proclaim God’s praises and rejoice at the waters of new life.  We will celebrate initiation with our five elect and then with thanksgiving participate in feasting at the Eucharistic table.

Please note:  On Saturday, April 4^h, there are no confessions and there is no 9:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. Mass.

Easter Sunday 

We will celebrate Mass at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. 

At each liturgy we shall renew our baptismal promises.

We live in a world that seldom takes time off from work and daily demands so it is important to plan how we can keep the Easter Triduum holy. You are invited to take time each day, to prepare and to reflect on the liturgy.