OCIA Session 23: Holy Week Explained – Palm Sunday, Triduum, Easter

Welcome back! You’ve walked through so much already: the sacraments, prayer, morality, and even the Scrutinies. Now we enter the most sacred stretch of the Catholic year: Holy Week. This is not just a series of liturgies. It is the climax of salvation history. Holy Week is where we don’t just remember what Jesus did - we enter into it. We walk with Him from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, through His Passion, death, and resurrection. By the end of this session, you’ll see Holy Week not as a set of rituals to attend, but as the most powerful invitation you’ll ever receive.

Palm Sunday – The Entry and the Passion

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. At the start of Mass, we reenact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. People waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!”

But the mood shifts quickly. The same crowd that cheered Him will later cry “Crucify Him!” At Palm Sunday Mass, we also hear the Passion - the story of Jesus’ suffering and death. Palm Sunday teaches us: human hearts can be fickle. Which voice will we join - Hosanna or Crucify?

Humor Break

Some Catholics save their palms, stick them behind holy pictures, or twist them into crosses. Others leave them in the car until July when they’ve turned into palm dust. Either way, palms remind us: faith is about more than waving branches once a year.

The Triduum – Three Days, One Mystery

The Triduum (Latin for “Three Days”) is the summit of the liturgical year. It’s one continuous liturgy over three days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.

Holy Thursday

We celebrate the Last Supper, where Jesus gave us the Eucharist and the priesthood. The Gospel tells of Him washing the disciples’ feet - showing that leadership means service. At Mass, you’ll see the priest wash parishioners’ feet, a living reminder of Christ’s humility. After Communion, the Eucharist is taken to an altar of repose, and the church becomes a garden of prayer - like Gethsemane.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the only day of the year when Mass is not celebrated. Instead, we have the Liturgy of the Passion.

We hear the Passion according to John.
We pray solemn intercessions for the world.
We venerate the Cross - kissing, touching, or bowing before it.

It is stark, solemn, and powerful. The altar is bare, the tabernacle empty. We feel the absence of Christ.

Holy Saturday & The Easter Vigil

Holy Saturday begins in silence and waiting. Then, at night, comes the Easter Vigil - the greatest liturgy of the year.

It begins in darkness. A fire is lit outside, the Paschal Candle is blessed, and the light of Christ spreads through the congregation.
We hear a series of readings that trace salvation history.
Then, the sacraments of initiation are celebrated: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
Finally, the Alleluia returns, and the joy of Easter bursts forth.

For catechumens and candidates, this is the night your whole journey has been leading toward.

Humor Break #2

The Easter Vigil is famously long. Some joke: “It’s the Catholic Super Bowl - but with way more candles.” Don’t worry - the beauty makes every minute worth it.

Easter Sunday

The celebration continues on Easter morning. The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and we proclaim: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Easter isn’t just one day - it’s a season of 50 days, stretching to Pentecost. That’s how important it is.

Interactive Reflection

Take two minutes. Which part of Holy Week speaks to you most: the palms of Hosanna, the Cross of Good Friday, or the light of the Easter Vigil? Why? Share with a partner or write it down.

Parish Connection

Holy Week is not something to watch from a distance. Your parish becomes Jerusalem. The liturgies are not plays or pageants. They are mysteries we enter. The more you participate, the more powerful your Easter will be.

Humor Break #3

And yes, expect packed pews. If you can, arrive early - or you’ll end up in “Catholic purgatory seating” in the back corner with no view.

Action Step

This week:

Plan now to attend all three days of the Triduum. Don’t just pick one. Together, they are one great liturgy.
Read the Passion story in the Gospels before Good Friday.
Invite a friend or family member to join you. Holy Week is a powerful time for evangelization.

Closing

Holy Week is the heart of our faith. Palm Sunday shows us our need for conversion. Holy Thursday gives us the Eucharist and priesthood. Good Friday reveals the depth of Christ’s love on the Cross. The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday proclaim the victory of the Resurrection. Next time, we’ll pause for a Retreat Reflection - preparing our hearts personally for the Easter Vigil.

Until then, remember: Holy Week is not just something to watch. It’s something to live. Walk with Jesus, and you’ll rise with Him.

next class:
OCIA Session 24: Retreat Reflection – Preparing the Heart for Easter Vigil