The term "Holy Triduum" (often spelled with a capital "H") refers to a sacred three-day period in the Christian liturgical calendar, specifically the three days that encompass the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the culmination of Lent and the most significant time in the Christian year for many denominations, particularly Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans. The word "Triduum" comes from Latin, meaning "three days" (tri = three, dies = days).

Historical Background

The Holy Triduum has its roots in early Christian practices that commemorated the events of Jesus’ final days as described in the New Testament. By the 4th century, with the legalization of Christianity under Emperor Constantine and the development of formalized liturgies, these observances became more structured. The Triduum emerged as a distinct celebration, tying together three key moments:

1. Maundy Thursday - commemorating the Last Supper and Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
2. Good Friday - marking the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
3. Holy Saturday - a day of waiting and preparation for the Resurrection, culminating in the Easter Vigil.

Historically, these events were not always celebrated as a unified "Triduum." Early Christians focused on Easter (Pascha) as the central feast, with Good Friday and Holy Saturday gradually gaining prominence. By the Middle Ages, the Roman Rite formalized the Triduum as a three-day liturgical unit, a practice that was further refined during the Council of Trent (16th century) and later in the 20th century with reforms like those of Pope Pius XII in 1955, which restored the Easter Vigil to its nighttime prominence.

Meaning of the Holy Triduum

The Holy Triduum is considered a single, continuous celebration rather than three separate days. It begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday and concludes with Easter Sunday evening (though technically, the Triduum proper ends with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night). Each day has its own distinct focus:

1. Maundy Thursday
   • Meaning: Named from the Latin "mandatum" (commandment), it recalls Jesus’ new commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). The washing of feet symbolizes humility and service, while the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper is central to Christian worship.
   • Ritual: The Mass ends with the stripping of the altar, symbolizing Jesus’ abandonment, and the Eucharist is moved to an "altar of repose" for adoration.
2. Good Friday
   • Meaning: A somber day focused on the suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, seen as the atonement for humanity’s sins. It’s a day of penance, fasting, and reflection.
   • Ritual: No Mass is celebrated (unique in the year). Instead, services include the reading of the Passion, veneration of the cross, and distribution of pre-consecrated Communion.
3. Holy Saturday (and the Easter Vigil)
   • Meaning: A day of silence and anticipation, representing Jesus in the tomb. The Easter Vigil, held after nightfall, celebrates the Resurrection, marking the transition from death to life and the triumph of light over darkness.
   • Ritual: The Vigil includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation), baptisms, and the first Easter Mass. It’s a joyous shift from mourning to celebration.

Theological Significance

The Triduum encapsulates the Paschal Mystery—the core of Christian belief: Christ’s suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. It’s a time for believers to enter into these mysteries through liturgy, prayer, and fasting, reflecting on salvation and renewal. The three days are not merely historical remembrances but a living participation in the events that define Christian faith.

In 2025, with the current date being April 13, the Holy Triduum will occur later this month, as Easter Sunday is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring (April 20 in 2025), placing the Triduum from April 17 (Maundy Thursday) to April 19 (Easter Vigil).

In celebration of our school's 30th anniversary, we are looking to name our classrooms in honor of the Saints. With a donation to Holy Spirit Academy, you can choose the Saint's name for one of our classrooms and offices.

You can also donate in memory of a loved one. Our goal is to use the money fundraised for future faith events in our building, celebrating the gift of Catholic education in our community.
Please call Holy Spirit Academy at 403-652-2889 If you are interested in participating in this.

Get ready to celebrate Easter in style! Our incredible Decorating Team is gearing up to transform our church into a vibrant, joy-filled space, and they’d love your help to make it extra special! We’re warmly inviting you to contribute by donating Easter Lilies, Easter Mums, or a cheerful monetary gift to help them bring the beauty of the season to life.

Want to join in the fun? If you’re giving a monetary donation, please swing by the church office with your contribution by April 11. If you’re bringing Lilies or Mums, we’d be thrilled to receive them at the church by April 14. Your generosity will make our Easter celebration bloom with love and hope!

Have questions? Reach out to our wonderful Nancy in the church office at 403-652-2203—she’d be delighted to chat with you. Let’s come together to make this Easter unforgettable!

St. Francis de Sales CWL Easter Basket Sales

Once again, the CWL is having our Easter Basket Ticket Sale fundraiser. We have 4 beautiful baskets, two adults and two children’s. Ticket Sales commence on the following dates: Saturday, March 22, 2025, to Sunday, April 6, 2025, after all Masses in the Church Hall. The draw will be made on Palm Sunday, April 12, 2025.

Cost of tickets:

$5.00 each or 3 for $10.00. You can purchase tickets at the church after Masses or by E-Transfer.
E-transfer works as follows:

• You must purchase a minimum of $10.00 worth of tickets.
• You can send your e-transfer to “This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.".

Please indicate in the message area of the transfer your phone # and your ticket distribution (i.e. 3 adults or 1 adult and 2 children) All proceeds will be donated to a local charity in our community, High River.

Thank you so much for your support for these very worthwhile causes.

Blessings,

The CWL Committee:

Barb Wiszt, Geraldine Gervais, Susan Horn, Bae Taylor

Join us for a Parish Penitence Service at the church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 @ 6:30 PM! Embrace this special opportunity to reflect, seek forgiveness, and renew your spirit. Come as you are. 

Service. There will be a few priests available to hear your confession. All are welcome! Please Note: Confession is also 1 hour before masses.

The Chrism Mass: A Sacred Celebration of Unity and Renewal

The Chrism Mass is a profound and lesser-known liturgical event in the Catholic Church, rich with symbolism and spiritual significance. Celebrated annually, typically during Holy Week or shortly before, this Mass serves as a moment of unity for a diocese, bringing together priests, deacons, and the faithful under the leadership of their bishop. As of April 06, 2025, with Easter Sunday approaching on April 20th, many dioceses worldwide are preparing for this sacred rite, making it an ideal time to explore its meaning and traditions.

Origins and Purpose

The Chrism Mass has its roots in early Christian practices, evolving into a distinct celebration by the Middle Ages. Its primary purpose is the blessing of holy oils—known as chrism, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of the sick—which are used in sacraments throughout the year. These oils are consecrated by the bishop, who presides over the Mass, symbolizing his role as the chief shepherd of the diocese and the unity of the local Church.

The term "chrism" comes from the Greek *chrisma*, meaning "anointing," reflecting its connection to Christ, the "Anointed One." This Mass underscores the sacramental life of the Church, linking the bishop’s ministry to the priests who serve parishes and the faithful who receive these sacred rites.

The Ritual of the Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass is typically held in the cathedral of a diocese, though the date can vary, often on Holy Thursday morning or earlier in Holy Week to accommodate schedules. In our Diocese of Calgary, the Chrism Mass will be held on 14 April at 7:00 pm at St. Mary's Cathedral in Calgary. The liturgy is marked by several key moments:

• Blessing of the Oils: The bishop consecrates the chrism (a mixture of olive oil and balsam) and blesses the other oils. Chrism is used in baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations, symbolizing the seal of the Holy Spirit. The oil of catechumens strengthens those preparing for baptism, while the oil of the sick brings healing and comfort to the ill.
• Renewal of Priestly Promises: A distinctive feature of the Chrism Mass is the moment when priests renew their commitment to their vocation. Standing before the bishop, they reaffirm their dedication to serve God and the Church, a poignant reminder of their shared mission.
• Unity of the Diocese: The presence of clergy from across the diocese, alongside lay representatives, highlights the communal nature of the event. After the Mass, the blessed oils are distributed to parishes, physically connecting the cathedral to every corner of the diocese.

Symbolism and Significance

The Chrism Mass is steeped in symbolism. The fragrance of balsam in the chrism evokes the "sweet aroma of Christ," a call for the faithful to spread the Gospel. The oils themselves represent healing, strength, and consecration, mirroring the Church’s mission to nurture and sanctify its people. For priests, the renewal of vows is both a personal recommitment and a public witness, reinforcing their bond with the bishop and one another.

For the laity, attending the Chrism Mass offers a rare glimpse into the broader life of the Church. It’s a chance to see the diocese as a living, breathing entity united in faith and purpose. In an era of individualism, this celebration stands as a counterpoint, emphasizing community and shared responsibility.

The Chrism Mass in 2025

 As Holy Week 2025 approaches, dioceses worldwide are gearing up for this event. In some regions, it may be livestreamed to reach those unable to attend in person, reflecting the Church’s adaptation to modern technology. The oils blessed this year will anoint the newly baptized at Easter, confirm young adults in the months ahead, and comfort the sick, carrying the prayers of the Chrism Mass into everyday life.

A Call to Reflection

The Chrism Mass, though not as widely recognized as Christmas or Easter, holds a quiet beauty. It invites Catholics—and all who are curious—to reflect on the sacred rhythms of faith, the power of anointing, and the strength found in unity. As the oils are prepared and promises renewed, the Church looks both backward to its ancient roots and forward to its ongoing mission.

So, as April unfolds and Easter draws near, we are learning more about our local Chrism Mass. It’s a hidden gem of the liturgical year, offering a moment of grace and connection in the heart of the Church.