"Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you also should do."

–John 13:1-15

The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, a celebration of the institution of the Eucharist. This liturgy, at first glance, seems like a regular Mass. We gather, then we listen to the wisdom of Scripture. But after the homily, the Gospel comes alive with the Washing of the Feet. 

The Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but instead of the usual dismissal after Communion, we do the ancient and very moving rite of the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We depart in silence and are encouraged to stay a while in prayer with our Eucharistic Lord at the Altar of Repose.  

“This is the night, when Christ broke the prison-bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld.”

–Exsultet: The Easter Proclamation

The Easter Vigil is the greatest and most noble of all liturgical solemnities. It is intimately connected with our RCIA Elect, who have prepared all year for their reception of the Sacraments of Initiation on this night.

The liturgy of the Easter Vigil consists of four parts and begins outside the church with the Lucenarium (Service of Light). The Lucenarium includes the blessing of the Easter fire; the preparation of the Paschal Candle which leads the Procession of Light; and the solemn chanting of the Exsultet, the proclamation of the Risen Christ that is arguably the Church’s greatest song.

The Liturgy of the Word gives a basic overview of salvation history, from the Creation story in Genesis through the Resurrection account in the Gospel.

During the Baptismal Liturgy, our RCIA Elect receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Those who are already validly baptized are formally welcomed into the Church at the Rite of Reception.

Once the Baptismal Liturgy is completed, we move into the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass proceeds as usual, but now with the presence of our new Christians who receive Communion for the first time on this night. They are a living symbol of the Risen Christ. Their faith inspires and renews the faith of those of us who have been walking this journey for many years!