Holy Thursday: Mass 7PM (SP)
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Except for the resurrection on Easter, Holy Thursday is possibly one of the most important, complex, and profound days of celebration in the Catholic Church. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood.
The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass. This event is celebrated at every Mass, as party of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.Holy Thursday Mass
Mass will be held at 7PM at the St Peter site. It will also be livestreamed on our parish YouTube Channel:
After Communion, Father and Deacon will process around the Church with the Eucharist and will place the Blessed Sacrament on an altar of repose in the St. Peter side chapel. Adoration will be available in the side chapel until midnight.COVID Adjustments
Usually, on Holy Thursday, the priest washes the feet of twelve members of our community in memory of Jesus' act of washing the disciples feet, and so that we can reflect on those who have been "servants" to us and on whom God has called us to serve.
This year, the washing of the feet (which is always an optional part of that celebration) will not take place during Mass. Instead, we are encouraging families to consider remembering Jesus' act by washing one another's feet at home.
What Happened on Thursday?
This was one of the most pivotal days in the life of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the things the gospels record that Jesus did on this day (including events that happened after midnight):
- Sent Peter and John to arrange for them to use the Upper Room to hold the Passover meal.
- Washed the apostles' feet.
- Held the first Mass.
- Instituted the priesthood.
- Announced that Judas would betray him.
- Gave the "new commandment" to love one another.
- Indicated that Peter had a special pastoral role among the apostles.
- Announced that Peter would deny him.
- Prayed for the unity of his followers.
- Held all the discourses recorded across five chapters of John (John 13-18).
- Sang a hymn.
- Went to the Mount of Olives.
- Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Was betrayed by Judas.
- Stopped the disciples from continuing a violent resistance.
- Healed the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant, after Peter cut it off with a sword.
- Was taken before the high priests Annas and Caiaphas.
- Was denied by Peter.
- Was taken to Pilate.
It was a momentous day!
