Archbishop to Celebrate Holy Week at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral

Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron extends and invitation to the public to join him during Holy Week and Easter at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Cathedral is situated at 9844 Woodward Avenue, between Chicago Boulevard and the Davison.

On Palm Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m., Archbishop Vigneron invites young adult Catholics to the Cathedral to celebrate the Palm Sunday liturgy, recalling Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. The Archbishop will bless palm branches prior to the liturgy.

On Holy Thursday Morning, April 2, at 11 a.m., Archbishop Vigneron will celebrate the Chrism Mass. At this Mass, the archbishop will consecrate the Chrism and bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. Chrism is used in baptism, confirmation and ordination. Also during this Mass, the priests of the Archdiocese of Detroit will publicly renew their commitment to priestly service. (Please note: Because the Chrism Mass is attended by representatives from each parish, public seating is extremely limited.)

On Holy Thursday Evening, April 2, at 7 p.m., Archbishop Vigneron will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. During this Mass, the archbishop will wash the feet of 12 parishioners, commemorating Christ washing the feet of His twelve apostles at the Last Supper.

On Holy Thursday Evening, April 2, at 10 p.m., Keeping vigil on the night of Christ’s betrayal, Cathedral Rector Monsignor Michael LeFevre will lead the congregation in the Church’s Night Prayer.

On Good Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m., Archbishop Vigneron will begin the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. This service will include prayers, the Scriptural proclamation of Christ’s Passion, veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion.

On Holy Saturday, April 4, at 9 p.m., Archbishop Vigneron will preside at the Easter Vigil. This Mass includes the Blessing of the Fire, a ceremony in which the paschal candle is lit from a small fire outside the church. Also, those who have completed their preparation will be baptized and/or received into full communion with the Church through their confirmation and first Eucharist.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, at 11 a.m., Archbishop Vigneron will be the celebrant and homilist at Mass. This liturgy celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. During this Mass, the Archbishop will bestow the apostolic blessing, giving an opportunity for a plenary indulgence for those who attend.

In addition to liturgies at the cathedral, numerous Holy Week events are planned at parishes across the Archdiocese. For Lent and Holy Week resources, visit www.aod.org/lent/.

Note to editors/assignment desks: Reporters, photographers and videographers are invited to cover the cathedral liturgies, as well as events and activities at local parishes. Please call 313-237-5943 to arrange coverage. If you are sending a reporter, photographer or camera crew, we respectfully ask that they dress appropriately for church attendance. We also ask that they not use flash bulbs or sun guns. Please heed any directions you may receive from church personnel at the cathedral or in our local parishes.