Sacred Heart  

Catholic Church

What are YOU doing for the Triduum this year?

It's the high point of our liturgical year. And whether or not you re aware of it, you've been preparing for this beautiful three day celebration throughout the forty days of Lent!

So take some time off, set aside your ordinary activities and devote your attention to the holiest days on our calendar. (Think of it as a retreat!)

We cross from Lent to Triduum at 6 pm on Holy Thursday, March 29 with the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the entire year! On this day, we commemorate the institution of the Mass and the priesthood. As the celebration begins, we receive our new Holy Oils, blessed by the Bishop Rice earlier in the week. The powerful mandatum or "washing of the feet" ritual follows the Gospel, reminding us that we are all called to service and loving sacrifice of others. 

At the end of the liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament is carefully transferred from the tabernacle to an Altar of Repose. The congregation departs in prayerful silence, but the church remains open for Eucharistic Adoration until midnight. Later in the evening, the altar and sanctuary are stripped of all furnishings.

The celebration resumes the next day (March 30) with Good Friday services at 3 pm. This is a celebration of contrasts—of grief and gen­tle assurance, of triumph and of desolation. We lovingly venerate—with a kiss—the Cross: an instrument of torture and death, the instrument of our salvation.

We listen to St. John's passion. There is no consecration: we receive Eucharist, but it is the Body of Christ held in reserve from last evening. The liturgy, which begins in silence, ends in silence.

THEN—at 8:00 pm on Saturday, March 31 , we will gather at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid, for the triumphant Easter Vigil! On this night, we celebrate our faith in the Resur­rection, the cornerstone of our belief. (This IS the most important liturgy of the year!)

The celebration begins in front of church with a roaring bonfire. The fire dispels the darkness and a single flame, set to our new Easter candle, is brought into and illuminates a darkened church.  An extended Liturgy of the Word chronicles our faith history from the time of Creation. The Easter water is blessed and from those life-giving wa­ters, new Christians rise with Christ as the elect are baptized.  Candidates are received into full communion with the Church.  Mass then proceeds as usual and concludes with "Alleluias" which have been absent since the start of Lent.

The Easter Vigil takes time.  This is not a criticism: it's an endorsement!  Like a fabulous book or a gourmet meal, it's meant to be savored.  We stay awake, hopeful, ready to greet the Lord when he comes.

So—what ARE you doing for the Triduum?

Spend it with your parish community! (You won't be disappointed!) 

We, the Sacred Heart Catholic Families are called by our Baptism to celebrate, witness, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we seek to convey our Catholic heritage by living our faith. It is our responsibility to be an accepting and loving faith community for all people as we strive to provide the spiritual, educational, and social life that the parish needs and desires.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Adopted by the Parish Council in April 2011

Monday - 9am - 5pm

Wednesday - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

email: SacredHeart63830@outlook.com

573-333-4301