As we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday, our altars are dressed in red and the congregation is holding palms.  The most important week of the year in the Church has begun. The events which are remembered this week mark the culmination of the ministry of Jesus. 

The Palm Sunday Mass is unlike any other. Two selections from the Gospels are read during this liturgy. After a re-enactment of the Palm Sunday procession, we read the Gospel of Jesus’ triumphant ride into Jerusalem. 

This is the height of Jesus’ ministry. He is praised by the crowd saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” This is His glory. 

Unfortunately, like many people, His peak is short-lived. The second Gospel reading on Palm Sunday is the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The reading of the Passion sets the tone for Holy Week. This is the only time that this Gospel is proclaimed during Mass. Remember that the Good Friday service is not a Mass, because Mass is not celebrated on Good Friday. 

The next important event in each diocese during Holy Week is the Chrism Mass. There is no set time for the Mass, except that it is usually during Holy Week. It is often held on Tuesday evening, or the morning of Holy Thursday. The Chrism Mass is a Mass at the Cathedral of each diocese and the bishop is the presider. 

During the Mass, the bishop will bless the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Infirm, and the Oil of Chrism. These sacred oils are later sent to each parish of the diocese. They use the Oil of Catechumens for adult catechumens and infants, the Oil of the Infirm is used during the Anointing of the Sick, and the sacred Oil of Chrism is used for Baptism, Confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of altars.

This marks the beginning of Holy Week. I urge you to learn about and participate in these liturgies and those to come as the week progresses. It will enrich your faith and make this week even more special.