Holy Thursday marks the start of the Easter Triduum – the summit of the Church’s Liturgical Year, which runs from the evening of Holy Thursday to Easter. Though chronologically three days, the Triduum is liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday commemorates the Passover meal that Jesus shared in the Upper Room with the apostles on the night before He died. Before the meal, He washed their feet to impress upon them the call to serve others. The Church recognizes the Last Supper as the institution of the Eucharist, and of the priesthood.

At the conclusion of this Mass, the altar and sanctuary are stripped and there is a procession with the Blessed Sacrament, which is taken to a separate altar of repose, usually located on a side altar or in a chapel. There is no dismissal or final blessing. It is the last time the Eucharist will be celebrated until the Easter Vigil.

All of the faithful of the diocese are invited to join Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., for the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East.

The Diocesan Pastoral Center will be closed from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday.