The Paschal Triduum - the holy three days - are the center and summit of the Church's year. 
In these days we remember and live the central mystery of our faith, Christ's saving passion, death, and resurrection.


On Holy Thursday, we remember how, on the night before he died for us, Christ took bread and wine and gave them to his disciples.  "This is my body.  This is my blood.  Do this in remembrance of me."


Following the Evening Mass on Holy Thursday, the cross is veiled.


Each morning during the Triduum, we pray the Office of Morning Prayer.


It was a privilege to welcome Sister Dianne Bergant, CSA, who offered reflections on the Seven Last Words of Christ during the traditional Tre Ore service on Good Friday.  She is a noted Scripture scholar who has taught at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago for more than thirty years.


Jubilate! Young Women's Ensemble, under the direction of Stacey Sunde, sings Pergolesi's sublime setting of the Stabat Mater during the Tre Ore service.


The Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday.


The Great Easter Vigil begins outside, with the blessing of the new fire, from which the Paschal Candle is lit.  "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."


The light of the Easter fire is spread to the entire assembly.




Following the homily, we move into the Baptismal Rite.  The adults who are baptized this night have been preparing for months, even years, for this moment.






After their baptism, the newly-baptized (called "neophytes," "newborns") are clothed in white garments, the symbol of their new life in Christ.


Archbishop Sartain confirms each of the neophytes.


"Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."




The newly-baptized spread the light of Christ to all in the assembly, and then we renew our own baptismal promises.


Congratulations to all our neophytes.  May the joy of this holy night live always in your hearts!


A glorious Easter Sunday in Seattle!




Standing room only in the aisles.


Youth readers proclaim the Scriptures and lead the Prayer of the Faithful at the morning Masses.


The Easter Sequence is an ancient song for Easter Sunday and the entire Octave of Easter.  "Speak, Mary, declaring what thou sawest wayfaring.  The tomb of Christ, who is living, the glory of Jesus' resurrection!"


Father Ryan preaches at the 10:00am Mass.  Click here to read Father Ryan's homily.


Archbishop Sartain presided at the Noon Mass.  Following the homily, we renew our baptismal promises and are sprinkled with the baptismal water.




Members of the assembly present the gifts of bread and wine, along with the Easter offerings of the assembly.


Happy Easter!