You are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for Holy Week Liturgies to celebrate the Easter Triduum! To reach our homebound community, the Masses of Holy Week will be livestreamed on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as broadcast on Spirit FM 90.5. 

Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.
Chrism Mass

Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Friday, April 2, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
Passion of the Lord

Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.
Easter Vigil

Watch any of the above Masses on our website, Facebook page or YouTube channel or listen to the broadcasts on Spirit FM 90.5.

Bishop Parkes urges the faithful to stay focused on the meaning of this important time, the holiest week of the Church’s calendar.  “Take time to walk with our Lord and draw closer to Him through participation in the various liturgies of this week, virtually or in person,” said Bishop Parkes.

Bishop Parkes has recorded an Easter Message that will be shared with our community via YouTube, social media, Spirit FM 90.5 and email. To view a sneak peek of this message, click for English or Spanish.

Additional Information:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety of our community, protocols are still in place in terms of social distancing, sanitizing and the use of face coverings. Also, church holy water fonts are still empty, collection baskets are not circulated and Bishop Gregory Parkes has decided that the general dispensation which was granted in March 2020 will remain in effect at this time. This means that all Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg are excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the safety of the community.  

At the Chrism Mass, Bishop Parkes will consecrate the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. He will also bless the Oil of Catechumens that is reserved for adults preparing to be baptized and the Oil of the Sick, that is reserved for those who are seriously ill. After the Mass, the Holy Oils will be brought back to the local churches. Certain priests have been assigned to receive the blessed oils and take them back for distribution to the parishes in their regions.

On the Easter Vigil, individuals who have been preparing to become Catholic will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist in their home parishes.  At the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, Bishop Parkes will baptize nine people. 

Below is a brief explanation of the Holy Week Liturgies:

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent, the beginning of Holy Week, when Christians commemorate the triumphant arrival of Christ in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. The reading of the Passion Narrative, recalling Jesus’ crucifixion and death, also takes place on this day. 

Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood and his mandate to serve, as expressed in the Washing of the Feet.

Passion of the Lord

Good Friday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Catholics are joined by nearly all other Christians in solemn commemoration on this day.

Easter Vigil of the Resurrection of the Lord

The Easter Vigil, celebrated after sundown on the night before Easter Sunday, is the first Mass of the solemnity of Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It marks the end of Holy Week, and is the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year, extending 50 days and concluding on Pentecost Sunday, which falls on May 23^rd this year.

About the Diocese of St. Petersburg

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is comprised of approximately 480,000 Catholics, more than 303,000 whom are registered and includes 74 parishes, 5 missions, 48 schools and early childhood centers, two universities, and a variety of social service, health care, housing and pastoral ministries located within the five counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus. Mass is celebrated in 12 languages and we are led by our fifth bishop, Most Reverend Gregory Parkes who was installed on January 4, 2017.