Easter Triduum
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
Presentation by: Savannah Hosea
April 2, 2012
Easter Triduum
Easter Triduum , which means “three days”, marks the end of Lent
and begins the Easter celebration. Holy Thursday honors The Last Supper
when Jesus shared his last Passover meal with his disciples. After the Last
Supper, Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane and turned
him over to authorities. Good Friday, the second day in the Easter Triduum,
symbolizes the Passion of the Christ and the Crucifixion. Holy Saturday marks
the end of Lent and begin preparations for the Resurrection. The Easter Vigil
begins at sundown on Holy Saturday, which marks the beginning of the Easter
celebration, since sundown marks the beginning of the next day. The Easter
Vigil celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus with the Baptism and Confirmation
of the candidates joining the Catholic Faith.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday
Easter Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s
Supper. The Church bells are rung and then remain silent until the Eatser Vigil.
The Mass includes the washing of the feet and it is the only Mass held on
Holy Thursday. The washing of the feet is a symbol of the service we as
Christians are called to live. The Last Supper is where Jesus gave us the
Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper ends with a
procession of the Eucharist. The altar is then stripped bare at the end of the
mass.
Reflection: Jesus wants us to do the right things and be able to do things for others.
God, I pray that all people will make good decisions and think about the way your son,
Jesus would serve and treat others. Amen.
Holy Thursday -The Last Supper
Before sharing the Passover meal, Jesus washes
the feet of his disciples . Jesus showed his disciples
that they are to serve each other as he served them.
At the last Supper, Jesus explained to his disciples that he
would soon leave them. As they reclined and ate, Jesus
took the matzo bread and broke it and said “take this
and eat it, for this my body.” Then he blessed the cup and
passed it around and said, “drink this, for this is my blood.”
At the Last Supper, Jesus explained to his disciples that one
of them would betray him. The one that he would give a
piece of bread to. After receiving the bread, Judas left the
upper room and walked out into the night.
Passover Seder Meal and Traditions
In the New Testament , Jesus commanded us to remember His death by observing The Last Supper. The
Passover Seder Meal includes the following foods :
3- Matzos (unleavened bread)
Roasted Lamb
Egg
Maror (bitter herbs)
Charoseth (chopped almonds, apple, wine, cinnamon and sugar)
Salt Water
Karpar (Celery, Parsley, Greens)
Wine
Seder Meal Celebration
The Seder meal is accompanied by commentary, prayers and, where possible, songs. Since the Seder is
a commemoration of the Exodus story, it is strongly recommended that prior to the celebration all
participants read and reflect on the scripture account of this event which is found in chapters seven
through thirteen of the book of Exodus. This account serves as an excellent family Lenten reading
program, and reflection on it will greatly enhance the celebration of the Seder.
Good Friday
Pontius Pilate condemning Jesus.
Time Line of Jesus’ Day
6am – Jesus stands trial before Pilate.
Jesus was sent to Herrod.
7am – Jesus returned to Pilate
Jesus is sentenced to death.
8am – Jesus is led away to Calvary.
9am – Jesus is Crucified on the cross.
10am – Jesus is mocked and insulted.
11am – Jesus speaks to the criminal .
Jesus speaks to Mary and John.
12am - Darkness covers the land.
1pm – Jesus cries out to his father.
2pm – Jesus dies on the cross.
3pm – Earthquake shook the land .
Jesus dies on the cross.
Good Friday is a day of fasting. The only Sacraments celebrated are
Baptism, Penance, and the Anointing of the Sick. During this time, holy water, candle
sticks, crosses, and altar cloths are removed or covered. Church bells are silent
during this time. The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord is observed at 3pm.
Jesus carrying his cross.
Reflection: Lord, cleanse me from within. Help me not to be so concerned
about what people think of me on the outside. Help me to have a clean heart.
I thank you very much for letting your son die for our sins. I feel a sense of salvation
and commitment not having to go around worried through my life of things I did
wrong. Amen.
Stations of the Cross
Websites
Self Knowledge
Calvary
Depressing Moment
Sacrifice
Eternal Life
Salvation
Crucifixion
Stations
ofggthe
Cross
Humility
Injustice
Cross
Sorrow
Surrendering
Redeemer
Deliverance of Jesus
Teacher
Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil has four parts:
The Service of Light – Paschal Candle is lit from
a blessed fire outside of church. The Paschal
candle is taken into the dark church where the
congregation lights their candles. This section
ends with the singing of the Easter
Proclamation, the Exsultet.
The Liturgy of the Word- 7 readings take place.
3 are from the Old Testament.
The Liturgy of Baptism – Baptisms take place
for those who have been preparing for
Baptism. After the Baptisms, all stand and
renew their Baptismal promises.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist – all Baptized and
confirmed receive Communion.
Symbols Of Easter Triduum
Bread and the cup of wine recall the institution of the
Eucharist by Our Lord at the Last Supper.
The cross recalls the crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good
Friday.
The Paschal Candle and water represent the light and new
life of Christ's resurrection and of our baptism.
Liturgical Colors for Each Mass Celebration
Holy Thursday - white is used to signify the joyful events this
liturgy recalls.
Good Friday - Red for the passion and death of Jesus.
Easter Vigil - white or gold of Christ's resurrection.
Reflection: Jesus is the light of the world and has overcome all sins and death. Lord, Thank you for your
deliverance. As I humbly serve in your glory, your strength and love guide me here on Earth. I look forward
to the day that I, too, will be with you in Heaven. Amen.
Summary
Easter Triduum is the three days before Easter and consist of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and
Holy Saturday. Holy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper which brought us the Sacrament of
Communion. Good Friday represents the day that Jesus was condemned and crucified. After being
condemned to death by Pilate, Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha where he was crucified. The journey
to Golgotha with his cross gave us the stations of the cross that we pray over during the Easter season.
The Easter Vigil celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus and the Baptisms of the new members of the
Catholic faith. Easter Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, allows us to celebrate
the last days of Jesus’ life and reflect on the many things he taught us.
The Joy of the Cross:
The cross teaches us to love
and serve the Lord every day
and be servants of Christ.
Easter Prayer
Lord, Glory and praise to your risen Savior ,
You bring light to our darkness and happiness to
our sadness.
You fill our hearts full of love and now you have
conquered all sin and evil. From your Resurrection
we have been set free.
Please Lord, fill our hearts with light and grace
through this Easter Triduum. Amen.