Holy Week – Information and Resources

Tuesday 7th April 2020

Many people are asking how we will observe Easter this year in these difficult times. The Bishops’ Conference have released some guidance from Rome in the form of a decree.

As we approach our most important week of the year – Holy Week – the way we follow Christ – from his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, to the foot of the Cross, to an empty tomb – will be completely different this year.

This will be an unusual Holy Week for us all. Bishop John talks to us about how we can follow the disciples journey to prepare ourselves this week.

In preparation, many would have availed themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Confession – to prepare for a fresh start at Easter. But what does it mean for our spiritual well-being and salvation if we can’t fulfil our “Easter Duties”?

You can hear from Cardinal Nichols about this in the video below.

Pope Francis made a statement, which may offer you comfort: “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter … many will say to me: ‘But Father ….. I cannot leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me ….. How can I do that unless I find a priest?’ Do what the catechism says. It is very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He is your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord, I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.”

Below you can find a series of resources to help you to unite yourself with the worship of the Universal Church this Holy Week.

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Salford

Our Cathedral has a new live stream at: https://www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral#

Bishop John will be live streaming Mass from here on:

Palm Sunday 11am

Last Supper – Thursday 7.30pm

Passion – Friday 3pm

Vigil – Saturday 8pm

Easter Sunday 11am

Other churches in our diocese will also be livestreaming their liturgies. You can find a list of the churches in our diocese which are livestreaming by clicking here.

For those who do not have access to the internet, Cardinal Nichols will be saying an Easter Sunday Mass which will be played on all BBC local radio stations at 8.10am.

Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi from St Peter’s Square will also be streamed as usual on BBC One at 11am.

Many of us are housebound or self-isolating at this time. The Lord’s Day at Home prayers can help us to unite ourselves with the worship of the Universal Church, and your own Parish each week.

Lord’s Day at Home Resource – Maundy Thursday
Lord’s Day at Home Resource – Good Friday
Lord’s Day at Home Resource – Easter Sunday

The Catholic Deaf Association are preparing liturgical resources and videos for Holy Week and the Triduum which can be found here.

The Bishops’ Conference have produced the Easter Story for children who prefer the Bible in plain English words and pictures. You can download it by clicking here.

Easter through art: You can find Meditations and reflections on 7 paintings and Scripture texts which you can find here.

St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham have produced a leaflet featuring a series of reflections for Holy Week. You can download these readings and reflections by clicking here.

Loyola Press have compiled a number of 3-minute Retreats to support you during Holy Week, which you can find below

3-Minute Retreat: In the Name of the Lord
3-Minute Retreat: The Lord’s Supper
3-Minute Retreat: The Passion of the Lord
3-Minute Retreat: Easter Vigil

To find further resources for use throughout Covid-19, please visit our resource list which you can find here