Usually we think about “spiritual preparation” for Holy Week, and less about concrete plans. This year we may be tempted to consider the spiritual dimension in an odd “disembodied way,” without realizing that we can — and need to — engage our whole selves for Holy Week. Even though we are unable to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, or to gather as His people, we can mark these days in the rhythm of prayer.
SCHEUDLE WITH LIVESTREAM IN MIND
We propose that you plan your week with the scheduled livestream liturgies of your home diocese in mind. For example, in Washington, we might look up the times and plan our household meals and other activities so as to “attend” thoughtfully these liturgies.
Archbishop Gregory will be celebrating the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter at The Cathedral of Saint Matthew. These celebrations will be available via live-stream on the Archdiocese of Washington YouTube channel. See a schedule of services below and a link to the YouTube channel.
Holy Thursday: 5:30 pm
Good Friday: 1:00 pm
Easter Vigil: 8:00 pm
Easter Sunday: 10:00 am
You might find your own local bishop’s schedule at the local diocesan page, or from the USCCB site.
PLAN TO PRAY AND READ FROM SCRIPTURE IN A NON-DIGITAL ZONE OF YOUR HOME
All of the liturgical readings can be noted day-by-day: see USCCB Liturgical Readings (for Monday, April 6). Jot down the Biblical references, and then pick up (dust off if needed!) your printed Bible and make a space for prayer, near a window, or by a crucifix or image of Mary.
The Archdiocese of Washington has made “A Prayer Service from Your Home,” see this a very compact and helpful handout with similar kinds of suggestions.
The Liturgy of the Hours is a very fitting prayer, and can be prayed on your own, with others in your household, or aloud “in choirs” (alternating the verses) with a friend by Skype/Zoom.
What is the Liturgy of the Hours – USCCB
Divine Office (register for a free account) – DivineOffice.org
Universalis – Universalis
Magnificat – free online edition
God is present to you when you pray and call upon Him — not “virtually” but really. Disconnect from the ebb and flow of the digital sphere whenever possible. Mark yourself with the sign of the Cross, and listen to His voice. Then with your household, “attend” the livestream with intentionality and respect. Download this template to fill in, if you like: Holy Week Liturgies and Preparations.
REVIVE, RENEW, and OBSERVE CUSTOMS FOR A NORMAL TRIUUM and EASTER
Growing up, Good Friday was the day of silence for the whole house: no radio / music, less talking, time of recollection, simple fasting small meals, and individual prayer time. Do this! Make your apartment or house a little monastery for these days. If you are the only Christian in the group, ask for respect and space to pray.
Often our moms had concrete plans like Easter…the new Easter dress for the girls, a new suit for the boys, special menu items for Easter Day, flowers on the table, etc. You can also plan to celebrate the Resurrection from your home! Plan a different and special meal, set the table with the best you’ve got, dress up and make for your household a true celebration of the Risen Lord.
Let us live deeply these days of quarantine and uncertainty, with the true and deep certainty that Our Lord has suffered with and for us, and that He has conquered sin and death by His Cross and Resurrection. Nothing and no one can take that away. Not even the limits of four walls and a global pandemic.
Please know of our prayers for all of you during these days of the Holy Week.
Sisters of the Province of the Immaculate Conception
Enjoy this message of unity and cheer from our missionaries and Third Order families around the world, “No one is alone”:
