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The Catholic Church is in the midst of observing the Paschal Triduum, or "Three Days" that began on the evening of Holy Thursday, March 28, and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday, March 31.
On Holy Thursday, the Church celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper, commemorating Jesus' last meal with his disciples when He instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. During the liturgy, priests mirrored the Lord's command to serve others by washing the feet of the faithful, just as Christ washed the feet of his disciples.
On Good Friday, the Church gathers in silence to recall the Passion and Death of Christ. The faithful are invited to venerate the Wood of the Cross and receive Holy Communion.
The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night is the high point of the liturgical year. The vigil is divided into four parts: The Service of Light when the Easter fire is blessed, candles are illuminated signifying Christ as our light, and the Exsultet is sung, proclaiming the resurrection of Christ; the Liturgy of the Word, when some of the best Scripture readings of the Church are proclaimed; the Liturgy of Baptism, when those who have prepared for initiation enter the Church and all Catholics renew their baptismal promises; and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
On Easter Sunday, Masses of the Lord's Resurrection are celebrated at parishes, marking the beginning of the glorious 50-day Easter season in the Catholic Church.
The following is the Triduum/Easter schedule of Bishop Mark Bartchak in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown:
-- Good Friday, March 29, Celebration of the Lord's Passion, 1 p.m. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
-- Holy Saturday, March 30, Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
-- Easter Sunday, March 31, Mass of the Lord's Resurrection, 11 a.m. Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown (Broadcast live on WATM ABC 23)