Local Christians to Participate in Holy Week and Easter

Posted inCommunications, News Releases

Holy Week is a Time of Transformation

Who:     Approximately 500,000 Catholics in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida

What:    Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

When:   April 13-20

Where:

This year, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is making it easier for families to find a Church to celebrate Easter by pointing them to a helpful website that connects people to Catholic churches across West Central Florida. A newly created webpage has a listing of Easter services (Masses) by county. HERE IS THE LINK TO FIND EASTER MASS TIMES.

All are invited to participate in the celebration of Mass on Easter. Many parishes schedule additional Masses to accommodate large crowds, including sunrise services.

Also, Bishop Gregory Parkes will be leading worship events (listed below) on five of the holiest days on the Church calendar during what is commonly known as Holy Week.

Schedule of Holy Week Celebrations with Bishop Parkes at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle
(5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg):

  • Palm Sunday, Sunday, April 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15, 2022, 11:00 a.m.
  • Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Thursday, April 17, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
  • Good Friday, Friday, April 18, 2022, 3:00 p.m.
  • Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday, April 19, 8:00 p.m.

“Take time to draw closer to Jesus through participation in the various celebrations of Holy Week and be transformed by God’s love for you,” said Bishop Parkes.

Below is a brief explanation of the Holy Week Liturgies:

Palm Sunday (Palms are blessed and distributed.)
Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, when Christians commemorate the triumphant arrival of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, days before he was crucified. This commemoration, with the blessing of palms, marks our own entry into Holy Week. Participants receive palms to take home and can be displayed as a reminder of Holy Week. The palms are sacramentals, objects blessed by a priest that are meant to draw us closer to God. To properly dispose of these blessed palms, we are asked to burn or bury them.

Chrism Mass (Holy oils are blessed, and all priests of the diocese attend to renew their priestly commitments.)

Bishop Gregory Parkes consecrates the Sacred Chrism Oil that will be used during thousands of Baptisms and Confirmations throughout the coming year in local parishes. The bishop will also bless the Oil of Catechumen that is reserved for adults preparing to be baptized and the Oil of the Sick, which is reserved for those who are seriously ill. Priests will also renew their commitment to priestly service. Also, 25 priests will be acknowledged for special anniversaries of priestly ministry.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper (The bishop and priests will wash the feet of members of the congregation.)

At this Mass, we recall when Jesus gathered with his disciples, established the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and instituted the priesthood. By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus demonstrated love, service, humility.  

Passion of the Lord (The faithful venerate the cross.)
The commemoration of our Lord’s Passion is also known as Good Friday, a day of fasting and a day to recall the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A veiled cross is brought to the center of the sanctuary, and the bishop or priest uncovers it, inviting the faithful to venerate it.  The faithful approach the cross and make a gesture of reverence, such as kneeling, bowing, or kissing the cross.  Solemn hymns are sung and chanted throughout the veneration period.

Easter Vigil of the Resurrection of the Lord (The Easter candle is lighted, and new Catholics are baptized.)

The Easter Vigil is the first Mass of Easter, the joyful celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The Easter Vigil begins with the Service of Light.  A “blazing fire” is prepared, and people gather around it and experience the flames dispelling the darkness and lighting up the night. During the Easter Vigil, individuals who have been preparing to become Catholic will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist at their home parishes.