Dear St. Mark parish family,
Since public Masses have been suspended at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will not be able participate in the Easter Triduum liturgies. Our faith is based on the fundamental mysteries we recall during the Holy Week. But unfortunately this year we your clergy will celebrate these solemn liturgies in an empty church. I feel very sad about it. But I know you will be with us in spirit and some of you will join us online. Even though you will not come to Mass, I want to let you know of some changes Bishop Caggiano has made for the celebration of Easter Triduum Liturgies:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper
• Washing of the feet is to be omitted;
• There is no procession of the Blessed Sacrament to an Altar of Repose. The Blessed Sacrament should be kept in the tabernacle;
• Since there will be no Altars of Repose, churches should remain closed on the evening of Holy Thursday in order to prevent crowds from gathering, which will be difficult to monitor.
The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
Adoration of the Holy Cross is to be done without kissing or touching the Cross, even if the priest celebrant alone offers the veneration. A genuflection or profound bow are recommended.
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place during the night, so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on Easter Sunday.
Please take note of the following prescriptions for the Easter Vigil:
• The liturgy begins with the Sign of the Cross, the usual Greeting and Introductory Invitation;
• During the Service of Light, the preparation and lighting of the fire (Lucernarium) is to be omitted;
• The Paschal Candle should be lit, but there is no procession;
• The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) follows as usual;
• The Liturgy of the Word takes place according to the rubrics;
• For the Liturgy of Baptism: o the Litany of Saints is omitted;
o the blessing of water is permitted, but the baptismal font is not to be blessed;
o the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises” is required for all who participate in the Vigil;
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO PUBLIC MASSES OR SOLEMN LITURGIES ON HOLY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY, EASTER VIGIL AND EASTER SUNDAY.
Have a Blessed Easter Triduum! God bless you!
Fr. Birendra