The holiest week of the year — the days from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday — are quickly approaching.
Last year our churches were closed. These liturgies were celebrated with a priest and a handful of ministers.
This year congregations will be present, but certain parts of the Holy Week liturgies may look differently because of the pandemic.The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Disciple of the Sacraments released a statement on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, to guide bishops and dioceses around the world.
The Diocese of Madison released a document to guide pastors and parishes early this Lent.
Keep reading to find out what will be unique to Holy Week in 2021.
Palm Sunday
Palms may be laid out in your pew before you arrive.
The memorial of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem will be marked either by a simple entrance (similar to how Mass begins each Sunday) or a hybrid of the solemn entrance (“Hosanna” or another appropriate song or chant is sung, the palms are blessed, and the Gospel of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem is read, but without a large procession).
You will still hear the reading of the Passion of the Lord during the gospel.
This year we read it from the Gospel of Mark (14:1-15:47).
Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass will take place at St. Maria Goretti Parish at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30.
All priests from the diocese of Madison are invited to attend in person, as well as up to two people from each parish.
Pastors will designate which parishioners will attend.
Everyone in the Diocese is welcome to watch the livestream of the Chrism Mass at www.madisondiocese.org/live
Holy Thursday
The washing of the feet, which is already optional, is to be omitted.
The Eucharistic Procession at the end of the liturgy may take place or be omitted, and there will not be an altar of repose — a unique place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, usually decorated with flowers, for people to pray in front of that evening.
The Blessed Sacrament will be returned to the tabernacle behind the altar.
The congregation is encouraged to stay after the liturgy and spend time in prayer.
Good Friday
A special intercession that addresses the pandemic will be prayed this year.
Veneration of the Cross may take place without touching or kissing the Cross, or the congregation may adore the Cross from their pew.
Pastors have been granted permission to hold a second Good Friday by 6 p.m. for serious pastoral advantage.
Easter Vigil
Depending on your parish, the Entrance Rites may be celebrated as usual: The Easter Fire is blessed and the Pascal Candle prepared, or omitted, and the liturgy begins with the lighting of the vigil candles and the singing of the “Exultet.”
The water used during the Baptisms at this liturgy should be fresh for each person.
The liturgy continues in the usual fashion.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday Masses will take place as usual.
Depending on your parish, reservations may be required so as to follow capacity regulations and social distancing guidelines.
To me, the most dramatic change from Holy Week of 2020 is that we, the Body of Christ, will be able to safely gather in-person to worship.
The small changes mentioned above take nothing away from the praise and worship that we can offer as we participate in the liturgies that memorial Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection to win for us eternal life.
May you have a blessed Holy Week and see you in church!
Amy Yanzer is the associate director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Madison.