Joy: Archdiocese celebrates the Paschal Mystery
April 10, 2018
Photos submitted by Assumption Catholic Church & School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church - The Woodlands, Regina Caeli Parish, St. Edward Catholic Church, St. Michael Catholic School - Houston, St. Pius X High School, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, St. Cyril Catholic Church, St. Catherine Montessori and Sacred Heart School - Crosby. Many parishes are featured, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, with photos by James Ramos/Herald.
HOUSTON — The Easter Triduum is the most important part of the Church year. From Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday, Catholics around the world commemorate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As part of the Church’s preparation for Easter, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo was the principal celebrant for the Archdiocesan Chrism Mass March 27 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. With Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, thousands at this Mass included members of the permanent diaconate, consecrated men and women religious and laity who all witnessed the many priests of the Archdiocese renew their vows and commitment to the priesthood.
In Photos: Holy Week
In Photos: Parishes Around the Archdiocese
As part of the Church’s preparation for Easter, 50 gallons of sacred oils – the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the holy Chrism – were blessed and consecrated for the celebration of the sacraments throughout the upcoming year. At the end of Mass, the oils were presented to and received by all parishes of the Archdiocese.
On Holy Thursday, priests washed the feet of parishioners to remember Jesus’s act of love. Jesus also gave the Eucharist on this night.
Good Friday is a day of fasting and remembrance of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus. While Mass is not celebrated, the faithful gather in adoration of the cross and celebrate a special Liturgy. The faithful often dress in red to symbolize the passion and blood of Jesus.
The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night celebrates the story of salvation. Churches turn off all their lights, symbolizing the stillness before Christ’s resurrection, also represented by a candle lit in the darkness. On this day churches also welcome new Catholics to the waters of Baptism and the table of the Eucharist.
Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing! Christ has risen! The 50-day celebration begins with a renewal of baptismal promises.