Laudetur Iesus Christus!  As we have previously announced, the Diocese of Charlotte is offering a full Traditional Latin Triduum this year for the first time in the history of the Diocese.  While officially this is being offered by St. Ann’s Catholic Church, the liturgies will be held in the Chapel of Charlotte Catholic High School (CCHS) located at: 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road.

We know there are other Mass options to choose from, but please do all that you can (within prudence) to attend these liturgies.  Attendance really does matter at the Latin Mass.  Unlike the Novus Ordo, the growth of the Latin Mass will continue only with strong attendance.  The chapel will hold about 330 people and those who come will be able the see an newly transformed sanctuary which includes a new communion rail.

Attached here is an updated list of times for both the Triduum at CCHS and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Ann:

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH: (@ CCHS)

7:00 P.M.: MASS OF THE LAST SUPPER.

ADORATION TO FOLLOW UNTIL 12 MIDNIGHT.

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14TH: (@ CCHS)

12 NOON: STATIONS OF THE CROSS.

12:45 P.M. – 2 P.M.: CONFESSIONS.

3:00 P.M.: PASSION OF THE LORD.

HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH: (@ CCHS) 

8:00 P.M.: EASTER VIGIL.

N.B.: Upon arrival gather outside of the chapel for the Rite of Blessing of the New Fire and Pascal Candle.  

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH: (@ ST. ANN’S)

12:30 P.M.:  EASTER SUNDAY MASS.

We have received some great questions for which I will try my best at answering:

Q1. What is a Triduum?  A:  The word Triduum is Latin for, “the three” in reference to the three liturgical celebrations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.  These three days are the final three days of Holy Week and Passiontide.  Liturgically these are the days of deepest morning of the year, when the Church follows our Lord from the Upper Room of His Last Supper; to His Crucifixion on Calvary; to His Holy Sepulcher, meditating on His sacred passion and death.  The Triduum is really one continuous liturgy that culminates with the Solemn Mass of the Vigil of Easter on Saturday night.  As you may have noticed, throughout Passiontide, the Gloria has been omitted, the bells have been silenced, and the statues and crosses have been veiled as a symbol of our morning.  All of this sorrow comes to an end when on the Easter Vigil, the priest intones the Gloria followed by a flurry of bells and polyphony symbolizing the rolling back of the stone to reveal the empty tomb of the risen Christ. 

 

Q2. Should we bring our children?  A: Parents are free to use their judgement based on age and development level of each child.  That said, these liturgies are so rich in terms of catechism and theology.  If you think your children are up for a challenge, I encourage you to bring them.  For parents of smaller babies, there will be a side narthex area with access to bathrooms that will be available as a “cry room”.  History has proven that there is no better way to catechize children in the Catholic Faith that to expose them to Traditional Latin Mass.

 

Q3. What will the weather be for the liturgical events held outdoors?  A: On Holy Saturday, the liturgy begins outside, and continues for about 30 minutes until we process in.  The current weather forecast is about 70 degrees with clear skies.  It looks like it will be great weather.

 

Q4. Will there be collections?  A: Yes.  On Good Friday, as usual in every parish around the world, there will be the annual collection for the Holy Land.  There will also be collections at the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) and again on Easter Sunday.  For those registered at St. Ann’s, in addition to the Holy Land envelope, you should also have envelopes for: 

1. Easter Offering, 
2. Seminary Offering, 
3. Easter Flowers, 
4. The standard weekly Sunday offering.  

N.B. Make all checks out as normal to St. Ann Catholic Church.

Q5. Where can we park?  A: There are a few parking spots near the chapel in the back.  Once those fill up, there is a large parking garage next to the football field.  See the below map.

Q6. Will there be a reception?  A: There will be a light reception after both the Easter Vigil Mass and the Easter Sunday Mass.  We will be serving Coffee and Hot Cocoa and some festive Easter treats after both Masses.

Q7.  Does attending the Easter Vigil satisfy ones’ obligation to attend Mass on Sunday?  Yes… technically either the Easter Vigil Mass or the Easter Sunday Mass satisfy our obligation to attend Mass… however, the traditional custom was to attend both.  The two Masses are distinct liturgies that  build upon one another.  If you only go to one … you will be missing out.

We hope to see you all there.  Please let me know if you have any more questions.