By Annalise Laumeyer
Diocese of Grand Rapids
As the Lenten season comes to a close, Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, will celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. The public is invited to participate in all liturgies online as public Masses in the diocese remain canceled in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home. Stay Safe.” Order.
- Sunday, April 5, at 10 a.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him and laying down palms before him.
- Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate chrism Mass. At this Mass, the bishop consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. Chrism is used throughout the year in the celebration of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, and at the ordination Masses celebrated at the cathedral. During this Mass, the priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids also publicly renew their commitment to serve.
- Holy Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper. During this Mass, the bishop would usually commemorate Christ’s washing the feet of his twelve apostles at the Last Supper by washing the feet of members of the parish, but that ritual will not occur this year.
- Good Friday, April 10, at 3 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will begin the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the time of suffering leading up to and including Christ’s death on the cross. This liturgy includes prayers, the Scriptural proclamation of Christ’s Passion and veneration of the cross.
- Holy Saturday, April 11, at 9 p.m., Bishop Walkowiak will preside at the Easter Vigil. Parish communities throughout the diocese, including the cathedral, would have normally welcomed new members during this Mass, but their entrance into the Catholic Church will take place at a later time.
- Easter, April 12, at 10 a.m., Bishop Walkowiak will celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. The Easter celebration is the principal feast of the Catholic Church year; the cornerstone upon which our faith is built and the oldest feast of the Christian Church.
Live webcasts of all liturgies will be available for viewing on the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, grdiocese.org and the diocesan Facebook page (Diocese of Grand Rapids).
Mass on Palm Sunday and Easter will be televised live at 10 a.m. on FOX 17. The Good Friday liturgy at 3 p.m. on April 10 will also be televised on FOX 17.
