Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. commemorates the institution of the Lord’s Supper and remembers Christ’s example of loving service (due to Covid, there will be no foot washing this year). After the Eucharist is given, the altar is stripped and the church is darkened, reminding us that Jesus is forsaken even by those closest to him. Also known as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the liturgy concludes with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the “altar of repose”, (at the back of the church), where the consecrated host is kept until Good Friday. After the church is stripped, members of the congregation are invited to remain in church before the altar of repose, which is adorned with flowers and candles, and spend time with Jesus in prayer. A prayer vigil is kept until midnight.

On Maundy Thursday (April 1), the church will have reached a three-day period known as the “Triduum.” Derived from the Latin for “three days”, the Triduum sets the three holy days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day apart from the rest of Holy Week. For more on the Triduum, view this document.