Holy Week 2022

At HCDSB, we recognize Holy Week as the last week of Lent before observing Easter (April 10 – 16, 2022). There are four days of significance during Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday – Takes place on the Sunday before Easter and marks the first day of Holy Week. In most churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated by the blessing and distribution of palm branches, representing the branches that the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday – Also known as “Maundy Thursday” refers to Jesus’ mandate to his disciples, which helps us to understand the great importance of the Eucharistic Liturgy. We learn of Jesus gathering with his friends and after demonstrating the importance of servant leadership in the washing of his followers’ feet, he used unleavened bread and wine to explain the meaning of his death and how he will continue to be with them – and us – after he returns to the Father.

Good Friday – Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a day observed as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday before Easter Sunday. We observe the Paschal Fast on Good Friday to prepare us to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection. This is typically observed through prayer, fasting and by abstinence from meat.

Holy Saturday – Holy Saturday is a day of prayer and fasting, during which we meditate on the Lord’s suffering, death and descent to the dead. This may be a day to join in the universal prayer of the Church by praying one or more parts of the Liturgy of the Hours.

For more information and interesting facts about Lent and Holy Week, read Preparing for Holy Week and Easter in the Christian Community, written by Gillian Federico, HCDSB System Chaplaincy Leader and Patricia Dal Ben, Religious Education Curriculum Consultant.

Gligoric, JulianaHoly Week 2022