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7:00 pm Solemn Mass of the Institution of the Lord’s Supper, followed by the Watch before the Altar of Repose until midnight  

In this liturgy we go back to the Upper Room as we commemorate this first Lord’s Supper which has become our chief act of worship together. The Mass is festive, in the middle of a very solemn week: we come prepared to celebrate the deep joy of the gift that Jesus gave to us.  

During the Mass, foot washing by the celebrant of any person who wishes, recalls Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper as a symbol of his servant ministry that we are called to follow.  

At the conclusion of the Mass, there is a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Here it will rest, surrounded by light and flowers, to provide a focus for personal prayer.  

The sacred ministers return to the church for the Stripping of the Altars. We recite Psalm 22, remembering the stripping of Christ’s body, and we enter into a place and time of desolation where the light and shadow in our lives and the world becomes acute and stark.  

Immediately following the Mass we begin the “Watch” at the Altar of Repose, recalling the watch of the disciples with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. You are invited to spend time here in prayer and reflection. There is an opportunity for confessions after this Mass. The church will remain open till midnight.