Holy Week 2021: Live stream and in-person events

Bishop David Zubik invites the faithful to join him in the online observances of Palm Sunday and Holy Week from Saint Paul Cathedral via https://diopitt.org/holy-week-2021.

“The pandemic has led us to new ways of connecting with God and with each other,” Bishop Zubik said. “We are looking forward with renewed anticipation and joy to this holiest season of the year, as we share in the redeeming power of God’s love and grace.”

Although churches across the diocese were closed last Holy Week, this year, churches are open with in-person worship available.
Starting on Palm Sunday, parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh may accommodate up to 75% of capacity, provided that everyone is masked and six feet of social distance is maintained.  Moving to 75% capacity will allow for opening up more seating.  The diocese supports pastors and their staffs as they continue to work creatively to welcome as many people as possible into Holy Week observances. 

Also starting this weekend, clergy, liturgical ministers and cantors who can maintain adequate distance may remove their masks while speaking or singing.  They must put their masks back on as soon as they finish. 

“We are beginning to reclaim our community celebrations,” Bishop Zubik said.  “We thank God and our healthcare workers for progress against the virus. We must continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing and sanitary procedures as an expression of love for our neighbors and respect for life.”
Nearly all parishes also continue to offer livestream and other electronic access to Masses and devotional activities. The links are on their websites.  

Palm Sunday through Easter is the most important week in the Catholic Church.  Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday, traditionally known as the Triduum, is a remembrance of the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus.  It is a time for all Christians to recall the lifegiving death of Jesus on the cross to the empty tomb of His Resurrection on Easter—all of which points to our salvation from sin and death.  It is a time for Christians to genuinely feel the personal effects of what Jesus did.         
All services are at Saint Paul Cathedral unless otherwise indicated:


PALM SUNDAY MARCH 27-28

Saturday evening vigil Mass, March 27 at *6:00 pm, with Bishop Zubik, principal celebrant and homilist. Palms will be available.

Palm Sunday Mass, March 28 at *10:00 am, with Bishop Zubik, principal celebrant and Father Kris Stubna, Rector of the Cathedral, homilist. Palms will be available.

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 1

*Chrism Mass at 10 a.m., with Bishop Zubik principal celebrant and homilist. This Mass is closed to the public.  At this Mass, which marks the institution of the priesthood, priests will recommit their sacred ordination promises.  Also during this Mass, the Bishop consecrates the three holy oils used throughout the year for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.  Though the Mass is closed to the public, there will be four lay representatives from the North Vicariate and four from the South Vicariate to receive the Holy Oils on behalf of all the faithful of the diocese.

*Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 pm, with Bishop Zubik, principal celebrant and Father Steve Neff, Spiritual Director at Saint Paul Seminary, as homilist.

The Cathedral will be open for private prayer until midnight.
 
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 2

*Seven Last Words at 12:00 pm.

*Good Friday Service at 1:30 pm, with Bishop Zubik, presider and homilist.

*Ecumenical Tenebrae prayer service at 7:00 pm, with Bishop Zubik, presider. This solemn service is marked with scripture readings and the gradual extinguishing of lights and candles until the church is in darkness and participants quietly process out.
 
HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Ecumenical Blessing of the City of Pittsburgh at 10 a.m. from the overlook across from Saint Mary of the Mount Church on Grandview Avenue.  Bishop Zubik will participate in the annual blessing of the city with members of the Christian Leaders Fellowship.

Blessing of the Food and Easter Baskets with Bishop Zubik at 12:00 pm.

*Easter Vigil at 8:30 pm with Bishop Zubik, presider and homilist.
No other Saturday evening Masses will be celebrated.
 
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4

*10:00 am  with Bishop Zubik, principal celebrant and Father Kris Stubna, homilist.
 
There will be no Easter Blessing of families this year.

*These liturgies will be live streamed on the diocesan website https://diopitt.org/holy-week-2021 and Cathedral parish Facebook pages and website and cablecast on Comcast Channel 95 (in the City of Pittsburgh) and on www.ChristianAssociatesTV.org.