Bishop, parishes extend special invitation for active participation in Holy Week, Easter events

The doors to Catholic churches throughout the Diocese of Trenton are always open to visitors and newcomers, but a special invitation is extended during Holy Week and Easter each year, particularly for those who are new to the Catholic Church.  

At this most sacred time of year that is both solemn and joyous, the Church offers many opportunities to witness and participate in powerful dramatizations of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, Confession and Masses, all aimed at preparing believers for the arrival of Easter on April 16.

Catholic parishes in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties have announced their schedules covering a week full of special events and activities, encouraging parishioners and newcomers alike to deepen their experience of Holy Week by taking part in these gatherings. (Digital list attached.)

Beyond parish walls, the faithful are invited by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to join him for two very special events next week:  The Chrism Mass on Monday, April 10, and a Tenebrae Service, on Wednesday, April 12.

The Chrism Mass (April 10) will begin at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, located at 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold. The annual event traditionally held in dioceses throughout the world brings members of the diocesan family together around Bishop O’Connell and all of their priests, for one of the most sol­emn and sacred events of the year.
 
The Chrism Mass represents the unity of the Diocese and the commitment of the priests who serve. During this Mass, the sacred Chrism is consecrated (blessed by the Bishop) and is used throughout the year for the conferral of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the dedication of new churches.  The Oil of the Catechumens is used to anoint the un­baptized who are seeking full initia­tion in the Church at the Easter Vigil, and the Oil of the Sick is used in the Anointing of the Sick. The Chrism Mass also serves as a special day in the life of the priests as they formally recommit themselves to their priestly ministry and service in the Diocese of Trenton.

The diocesan Tenebrae Service, led by Bishop O’Connell, will take place Wednesday, April 12, in St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake.  Tenebrae, which in Latin means darkness or shadows, is a tradition exercised in an atmo­sphere of quiet and somber reflection, employing the imagery of the gradual extinguishing of lights to represent the struggle between the darkness of sin and death and Christ as the Light of the World. A large candle on the altar, representing the Savior himself, is removed from the altar to symbol­ize the coming death of Jesus.  You can watch a Live stream of the Tenebrae service, here.
 
Established in 1881, the Diocese of Trenton comprises 107 parishes in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties with a Catholic population of more than 700,000.

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Editors/News Directors: For more information on each of the movements of Holy Week and Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday April 9 through to Easter Sunday Masses April 16, see the attached backgrounder.

High resolution photos depicting each of the movements of Holy Week and Easter are available upon request.

We invite you to cover the Chrism Mass and Tenebrae; please make arrangements through our office.   

Holy Week and Easter Overview
Parish Holy Week and Easter links