Good Friday

Good Friday is the most somber day of the Church year, as we commemorate the crucifixion and death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a day of fasting and abstinence for the universal Church as we stand at the foot of the Cross.

1:00 PM | St. Catherine of Sweden 

1:30 PM | St. Richard

The Liturgy of the Passion is a solemn service consisting of three distinct parts: the Liturgy of the Word (including the proclamation of the Passion according to John), the Veneration of the Cross, and the distribution of Holy Communion (consecrated at the Mass on Holy Thursday).

• Proclamation of the Passion: We listen to the account of Christ’s suffering and death, entering into the mystery of His ultimate sacrifice.

• Veneration of the Cross: You are invited to come forward and show a sign of reverence to the Holy Cross—through a bow, a genuflection, or a kiss—acknowledging the instrument of our salvation.

• Solemn Intercessions: On this day, the Church prays for the needs of the whole world, reflecting the reach of Christ's love on the Cross.

7:00 PM | St. Catherine of Sweden

As darkness falls, we gather for Tenebrae (the Latin word for "shadows" or "darkness"). This ancient and dramatic service is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of candles until only one remains—the Christ candle.

• The Liturgy of Shadows: Through a series of psalms, scripture readings, and choral reflections, we experience the abandonment and suffering of Christ.

• The Strepitus: The service concludes with a loud, startling noise (the strepitus) symbolizing the earthquake at the moment of Christ's death and the closing of the tomb.

• Departure in Silence: Following the final prayer, we depart in total silence to reflect on the mystery of the tomb.

Fast & Abstinence: Catholics aged 18–59 are called to fast (one full meal, and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal). Catholics aged 14 and older are called to abstain from meat.

A Silent House: Traditionally, the hours of 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM—the time Christ hung upon the Cross—are kept in silence and prayerful reflection.