Dear Friends,
Know of our prayers for you during this Holy Week. What a strange Holy Week it will be, as we are unable to gather to celebrate the rich and beautiful liturgies of the Church. Yet, the total self-gift of Jesus on the Cross knows no bounds. He desires for us to experience His victory over the grave in our own lives, especially if we are experiencing confusion, fear, or sadness. Let this be a week for us to deepen in our gratitude for the Redemption that has been won for us and the hope we have in Christ. May we let the Lord form us, in this time of trial and difficulty, into an Easter people who glory in the Cross.
Below are some resources to help you enter into Holy Week from your home.
Live-stream Masses
- Many parishes throughout the Archdiocese are live-streaming Masses each day. You can find links to them here.
- All of the Holy Week liturgies will also be celebrated in St. Patrick's Cathedral and are available via live-stream here, as well as broadcast on the Catholic Faith Network, and on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
The Seven Last Words
- Watch the live-stream meditations on the Seven Last Words of Jesus by Bishop Colacicco on Good Friday from noon to 3pm.
- You can also listen to audio reflections on the Seven Last Words by Bishop Barron.
FORMED
- All parishioners of the Archdiocese can have free access to FORMED during the quarantine. Just click here to find Catholic movies, videos and audio-books to enrich your Holy Week including many resources for us to use during this Holy Week, many of them under the "Holy Week & Triduum" section. Here are some recommendations:
The Jewish Roots of Holy Week
Meditations on the Stations of the Cross by Ronald Thomas
FORMED Live: Jesus’ Death in light of Old Testament Sacrifices
The Paschal Mystery: The Mystery of Jesus's Death & Resurrection
FORMED Live: Understanding the Stations of the Cross
More Holy Week Resources
- Check out this free printable resource from Liturgical Press with prayers, Scripture readings and discussion questions to help you live Holy Week at home.
- Find other prayer and spiritual resources from the Office of Adult Faith Formation.
A Word from Cardinal Dolan
- Read these encouraging words from His Eminence, Cardinal Dolan, which remind us that "Good Friday is fading; Easter always wins!"
During this time of crisis, the battle to truly value the sacredness of the human person is, in a very real way, heightened. We have been troubled by the discriminatory statements made by some states which would allow for medical care to be rationed based on age and ability. The US Bishops have issued a statement warning that this type of mentality is an affront on the dignity of the person. The US Department of Health and Human Services has also condemned this practice. However, as the virus continues to spread there will be more temptation to resort to such practices. Read this article to learn more. We ask your prayers for the protection of a sense of the sacredness of life, regardless of age or ability. May this be a defining moment on behalf of all life rather than an opportunity for further attacks against the intrinsic worth of every person.
Please pray, also, for the closing of all abortion clinics at this time. Only 10 states have ordered the closure of clinics so far. Women always deserve better than abortion. Please pray for women facing crisis pregnancies. May they receive the grace and support they need to move beyond their fear and choose life for their children.
May you be blessed this Holy Week with the knowledge of Christ's infinite love for you and the hope of eternal life held in store for you. Please let us know how we can pray for you and your family during this time.
Although public Masses are suspended, our priests are busy at work responding to the current COVID-19 crisis through their ministry: visiting and anointing the sick, hearing confessions, celebrating daily Mass privately, and praying for the health and safety of each of you and your families. Our teachers, administrators, health care workers at ArchCare, and the many ministries, here at the archdiocese, are doing their part to serve those in need during this difficult time.
The Archdiocese of New York is hard at work, mobilizing our medical, charitable, and administrative constituencies to make sure we are prepared to serve and care for the people of New York during this public health crisis. Your support of the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal is an essential part of this process, and we invite you to considering making a gift of any size to help our Church make it through this time.
You may give to the Cardinal’s Appeal by following this link with a one-time gift or by becoming a sustainer. In addition to this, you may now give to the Cardinal’s Appeal on Amazon Prime through AmazonSmile where a portion of your spending goes to the Appeal. To learn more, please follow this link.
The Cardinal's Appeal exists to respond to those in crisis, especially the most vulnerable among us. We thank you for your consideration and for your continued support of the Appeal.