Bishop Cistone to celebrate Holy Week at Cathedral

SAGINAW – The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., in Saginaw. His schedule is as follows:

• 10 a.m. Sunday: Mass, Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
• 10:30 a.m., Tuesday:  Chrism Mass
•  7 p.m., Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
• 1 p.m., Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
•   9 p.m.,  Saturday: Mass, The Easter Vigil
•  10 a.m., April 4: Mass, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

The days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are known as HOLY WEEK in the Catholic tradition because everything important to Christian people is celebrated and recalled this week throughout the world. 

On PALM SUNDAY, also called PASSION SUNDAY, we mark Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was hailed as a king by the crowds as they waved palm branches and cried, “Hosanna!”  A few days later, they shouted, “Crucify him!”

At the CHRISM MASS, the holy oils which will be used during the next year for baptisms, anointings and Confirmation will be blessed by Bishop Cistone and distributed to representatives of the 105 parish communities within the Diocese of Saginaw. The priests of the Diocese will concelebrate the Mass with Bishop Cistone and make a renewal of their priestly vows. 

On HOLY THURSDAY, we remember, in a special way, the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper – the First Mass in the Catholic tradition. During the Mass, Bishop Cistone will wash the feet of 12 parishioners, recalling the way Jesus washed the feet of the 12 Disciples at that meal.

On GOOD FRIDAY, we remember the crucifixion and death of Our Lord as we gather to venerate the cross and hear the Gospel account of Christ’s Passion.

The EASTER VIGIL is a joyful night-watch by Christians who have gathered to celebrate the most important feast in the life of the Church – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead. The vigil begins outdoors with the blessing of the Easter fire. It is during the Vigil, that thousands of new members join the Church throughout the world as they are baptized, confirmed and receive their first Eucharist.

On EASTER SUNDAY we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus as we hear the Gospel account of the encounter of the first Christians with Our Risen Lord and his empty tomb.