Gathering for Triduum
The following is one example of what “two or more” can put into place for the three days – the Triduum – that conclude Holy Week (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil). With so many churches closing and a growing interest in lay spirituality, the Virginia Gathering of Friends (GoF) is pleased to share their own efforts. The group came together from a need for spiritual enrichment, fellowship and Christian education that was not being met within the local parish. Most members of the local VOTF have joined the group, which has now grown to include members of other parishes in the region who also felt the need for additional spiritual development.
The group, now in its third year, meets monthly for prayer, mass or a liturgical service, holds a picnic/liturgy each fall, has sponsored two highly successful annual weekend retreats, and recently completed a member-organized and -presented adult formation program on the Pentateuch. An 11-person leadership team guides the Gathering’s consensus-driven activities with the input and approval of the group. As an egalitarian community, the GoF welcomes all to union. Hoping to share the holiest season of the church year, the faith community of the GoF recently decided to celebrate the Triduum together. They are fortunate enough to have a priest for these three days, but all the planning has been done by the laity. To learn more, visit the Gathering of Friends web site at http://www.gatheringoffriends.us/.
HOLY Thursday
| Opening Song: |
“Song of the Body of Christ” (Haas) |
| First Reading: |
Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 |
| Psalm: |
“Our Blessing Cup” (Joncas) |
| Second Reading: |
1 Cor 11:23-26 |
| Gospel Acclamation and Gospel (John 13:1-15) |
| Shared homily (Priest presider and a member of GOF with the chance for participants to also contribute to the discussion) |
| Washing of the feet: |
“Ubi Caritas” (The GOF leadership team will wash the feet of the participants and each other) |
| Shared Prayers of the Faithful |
| Dialogue Eucharistic Prayer and Eucharist (Song: “Christ Be Our Light”) |
| Transfer of Eucharist |
| Closing: |
Celtic Alleluia |
GOOD Friday
| Enter in Silence |
|
| Opening: |
Co-presiders from the group |
| Reading of the Passion/Tenebrae: |
John 18:1-19:42 is read in sections interspersed with song (Seven candles will be lit and as each reader finishes his/her part, one candle will be extinguished until all candles are out.) |
| Good Friday intercessions |
| Veneration of the Cross: |
“Via Crucis” (Ridge [member of GOF and a published composer]) |
| Communion |
| Leave in silence |
EASTER Vigil–Overall theme will reflect on Light, water, commitment, and Eucharist
| Service of Light – a large candle begins the transfer of light until all the participants’ candles are aglow. |
| Song: |
“Exultet” (2 cantors and the congregation) (e.g. “This is the night….”) |
| Genesis 1:1-2:2 (This reading will be accompanied by creation slides shown on the wall) |
| Psalm 66: |
“Cry Out to God All the Earth” – Verse 1 (Ridge) |
| Exodus 14:15-15:1 (Story will be told rather than read by a talented GOF member) |
| Psalm 66: |
“Cry Out …” – Verse 3 |
| Isaiah 55:1-11 |
| Psalm 66: |
“Cry Out …” – Verse 5 |
| Ezekiel 36:1-17a, 18-28 |
| Psalm 66: |
“Cry Out …” – Verse 7 |
| Renewal of Baptismal Promise |
| Blessing of Water – the gathered come forward to bless themselves as a sign that by our Baptism we are anointed priest, prophet and king |
| Litany of the Saints sung as the people come forward to seal their Baptismal promises |
| Epistle: |
Romans 6:3-11 |
| Gospel Acclamation: |
Celtic Alleluia, Psalm 118, verses 1-3 |
| Gospel: |
Matthew 28:1-10 |
| Homily by Priest presider |
| Shared Prayers of the Faithful |
| Dialogue Eucharistic Prayer |
| Dialogue Eucharistic Prayer |
| Communion |
| Closing Hymn |
| Reception to follow |
