HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, will be the main celebrant for Holy Week liturgies at Saint Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg.
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter and is the most important week in the Catholic Church. The Triduum, which is Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday, is a time when we remember and suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
All liturgies are open to the media. A live stream of each liturgy can also be viewed on the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/2P77vZu.
April 13 – Palm Sunday
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 9:30 a.m.
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, and commemorates the triumphant arrival of Christ into Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. During Palm Sunday Mass, palms are distributed to parishioners who carry them in a ritual procession into the church.
April 14 – Monday of Holy Week, Chrism Mass
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 4:00 p.m.
The Chrism Mass is a solemn and one of the most significant liturgies in the Catholic Church. This Mass is marked by the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the consecration of the Sacred Chrism by Bishop Senior. These oils will be used in all churches in the Diocese of Harrisburg this year to anoint the sick, anoint catechumens and baptized infants, anoint the hands of newly ordained priests, and consecrated churches and altars. During this Mass, the priests of the Diocese will also renew their ordination promises.
April 17 – Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper celebrates the institution of the Most Holy Eucharist and the institution of the Priesthood by Jesus Christ. In imitation of Christ, the Bishop will wash the feet of 12 laypersons. The Mass concludes with the Blessed Sacrament being placed in a special repository in the Cathedral and the faithful staying to keep watch in prayer, which recalls the disciples staying with our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane.
April 18 – Good Friday, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion followed by Confessions
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 12 Noon.
This solemn liturgy includes the proclamation of the Passion of Christ. Those assembled then offer special prayers for the entire world. A large crucifix is then venerated by the people. Time for confessions will be available following the liturgy.
April 19 – Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 8:00 p.m.
This Mass begins with the creation of a blazing fire to remind all that there is no darkness, no death, that Christ our Light cannot conquer. Water is blessed and new adult members of the Church are baptized, confirmed, and receive Holy Communion for the first time.
April 20 – Easter
St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 9:30 a.m.
Mass for Easter Sunday proclaims the Resurrection of our Lord and includes joyous music and the renewal of our Baptismal Promises.
Requests for Interviews:
Bishop Senior will be available for interviews during Holy Week. To request an interview, please contact Rachel Bryson at rbryson@hbgdiocese.org or (717) 300-0146 (call or text).
Coverage RSVPs for any/all of our Holy Week liturgies should also be confirmed with Miss Bryson. Press must have valid media credentials for admittance to the Cathedral.
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