Holy Week begins on April 2, Palm Sunday, as we celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem in the same way the crowds are described waving palms and singing Hosanna in all four Gospels. These blessed palms will become next year’s ashes.

During the annual Chrism Mass, typically held on the Monday of Holy Week, all of the clergy from the diocese gather to celebrate the liturgy and renew the promises made during their ordinations. The holy oils used in liturgies and sacraments throughout the year are also presented to the bishop and blessed.

The Oil of the Sick, used in the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, is blessed as the bishop prays, “May your blessing come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may be freed from pain and illness and made well again in body, mind and soul.”

The Oil of Catechumens, used in the sacrament of Baptism for people of all ages – infants and those entering the Church through RCIA, is blessed as the bishop asks the Lord to “give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their baptism.”

Finally, the bishop breathes into the Oil of Chrism, used in the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders, invoking the Holy Spirit and consecrating the oil, by praying, “make this mixture of oil and perfume a sign and source of your blessing. Pour out the gifts of your Holy Spirit on our brothers and sisters who will be anointed with it. Let the splendor of holiness shine on the world from every place and thing signed by this oil.”

The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Sacred Triduum (also known as the Paschal Triduum or Easter Triduum) — from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

The liturgical services that take place during the Triduum are:

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper
• Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
• Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

Holy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the Mass. During this re-presentation of the Last Supper, you will see the washing of the feet of twelve members of the congregation, along with a Eucharistic procession as Jesus is exposed for adoration late into the night. Catholics are invited to pray with the Lord as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Holy Thursday liturgy occurs at every parish.

Good Friday is the one day in the year that no Masses are celebrated. In remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death on the Cross, Catholics gather for a Communion service and to Venerate the Holy Cross.

Good Friday is also a day of fasting and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory from age 18 until age 59, unless fasting jeopardizes your health (for example, pregnant or nursing mothers, those with chronic illness like diabetes, etc.). When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. All Catholics from age 14 onwards should abstain from eating meat. Learn more about fasting and abstinence from the USCCB.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will commemorate Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord and the Veneration of the Cross at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, Phoenix, beginning at 3 p.m. Tune in LIVE on AZTV 7, facebook.com/phoenixdiocese or youtube.com/phoenixdiocese.

Holy Saturday / Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter (Easter Vigil) commemorates Christ’s resurrection and victory over sin and death. The Vigil is divided into four parts, the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Learn more about this unique liturgy from the USCCB.

During this Mass, catechumens in every parish are received into full communion with the Church.