Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday: Sat, April 12 – 4:30 pm & Sun, April 13 – 9:00 am, 11:15 am
Chrism Mass: Tue, April 15 – 12:00 pm @ Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica 5221 Spring Garden Road, Halifax.
Holy Thursday: Thu, April 17 – 7:00 pm* note: No 9:00 am mass offered that day
Family Stations of the Cross: Fri, April 18 – 10:00 am
Good Friday: Fri, April 18 – 3:00 pm * note: No 9:00 am mass offered that day
Good Friday Stations Of The Cross: Fri, April 18 – 7:00 pm note: No 9:00 am mass offered that day
Easter Vigil: Sat, April 19 – 8:00 pm* note: No 4:30 pm mass offered that day
Easter Sunday: Sun, April 20 – 9:00 am*, 11:15 am
*livestream available on Holy Trinity Parish YouTube Channel
HOLY WEEK EXPLAINED
Holy Week is a sacred period leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the final week of Jesus Christ’s life, his crucifixion, and resurrection. Throughout Holy Week, we engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of penance as they journey with Jesus through his final days. It’s a time of profound spiritual significance, inviting you to deepen your faith and draw closer to Jesus.
Palm Sunday
When: Saturday, April 12 at 4:30 pm and Sunday, April 13 at 9:00 am and 11:15 am
Where: Holy Trinity Parish, St John Vianney Church. 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville.
What: Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. blessed palm branches are received at the beginning of Mass, symbolizing the palm branches laid before Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. The Gospel narrative of Jesus’ Passion is also read at thisMass.
Chrism Mass
When: Tuesday, April 15 at 12:00 pm.
Where: St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, 5221 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax
What: The Chrism Mass will be on Tuesday, April 15 at St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica in Halifax- not at Holy Trinity Parish. Chrism is a sweet perfume, usually balsam, which is added to one of the oils during the Chrism Mass. The Oil of the Sick (used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick), the Oil of Catechumens (used during the Sacrament of Baptism), and the Sacred Chrism Oil (used during the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders) are consecrated by the Bishop. Large vessels of oils are carried to the front of the altar to be consecrated After Mass the oils are distributed to representatives of each parish. The oils are taken back to the parishes and used for the Sacraments throughout the year. There is also a renewal of priestly promises during the Chrism Mass. Traditionally every priest within a diocese attends this Mass. The Bishop requests that the laity of the diocese pray for him and the priests of the diocese.
Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
When: Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 pm
Where: Holy Trinity Parish, St John Vianney Church. 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville.
What: This day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood. During the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Catholics recall Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Eucharist. After Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the Altar of Repose, where the faithful can pray in adoration.
Good Friday – Celebration of the Passion of the Lord
When: Friday, April 18 at 3:00 pm
Where: Holy Trinity Parish, St John Vianney Church. 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville.
What: Good Friday marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Catholics commemorate this solemn day with special liturgies, including the veneration of the Cross and the reading of the Passion narrative. Fasting and abstinence are observed, and this is the only day of the year that Mass is not celebrated. Instead, the faithful receive the Eucharist consecrated on Holy Thursday.
Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil, Resurrection of the Lord
When: Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 pm (Note: there will be no 4:30pm Mass this day)
Where: Holy Trinity Parish, St John Vianney Church. 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville.
What: This day is a time of quiet anticipation, as Catholics await the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The Easter Vigil, celebrated after sundown, is the high point of Holy Saturday. It begins with the blessing of the Easter fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the light of Christ overcoming darkness. The Liturgy of the Word includes readings recounting salvation history, culminating in the proclamation of the Resurrection. Baptismal and Eucharistic sacraments are often celebrated during this vigil, welcoming new members into the Church.
Easter Sunday – Resurrection of the Lord
When: Sunday, April 25 at 9:00 am and 11:15 am
Where: Holy Trinity Parish, St John Vianney Church. 4 Beaver Bank Road, Lower Sackville.
What: The pinnacle of the liturgical year, Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Masses are joyous and triumphant, with the Gloria and Alleluia reintroduced after being omitted during Lent. The faithful gather to celebrate the resurrection and the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus!
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