Advice for Triduum

[Neophyte1780]

Hi all,

I’m a catechumen in the RCIA. As everyone knows, the sacrament of initiation is postponed and the vigil isn’t occurring publically. Therefor, can you guys give me advice on how I can make my first faithful triduum worthwhile even though I still am a catechumen?

I am truly disappointed that I won’t receive our Lord during the vigil, but I believe with all my heart Christ is in control and that this is for the best. I want to make the most out of a bad situation.

All advice is appareciated!

Pax et bonum.

 

[humbleseeker]

I like the positive attitude of this thread. Op, I truly understand your frustration and I’m sorry you won’t be getting the full experience of this Easter season. The Triduum is my favorite liturgical celebration and I look forward to the Easter Vigil Mass every year because I get to celebrate and witness those entering the Church. I pray that this extended time will be fruitful for you and serve only to enhance your joy when you finally come home.

With that said, I’m only know thinking about how I’m going to celebrate this coming week privately. I’m sure I’ll live stream every Mass and Eucharistic adoration. I’ll try to meditate on the mysteries of the cross on Good Friday.
Other than that, I’ll just say extra prayers and find other ideas online:
How to make the most of Holy Week at home - Our Sunday Visitor

 

[EricF]

I don’t know that I have any profound advice, but as the RCIA director in my parish, I want to thank you for your post. The longing to receive our Lord in the Eucharist hints that your RCIA experience was fruitful. Thank you for sharing.

 

[LikeaChild]

I feel for you and understand your great disappointment. I am a catechist and our RCIA group is pretty devastated. I try just to think of the tremendous joy we will all share when they–when you-- are able to enter the Church.

Here is another opportunity you might like to check out. Bless you!

Virtual Holy Week Retreat 2020 - Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

This week-long virtual retreat begins Palm Sunday (April 5) with Mass from the Saint Paul Seminary and culminates with the Easter Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary April 12.

www.archspm.org

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

OP, I’ll echo others who have expressed gratitude for your positive attitude and your “hunger” for the Lord.

I’d suggest that you try to find a religious community that’s live streaming their Triduum so that it’s as close to “normal” as possible. I already know our parish (per archdiocesan directives in keeping with Vatican direction) will have a modified Triduum. Thus, it will be more somber, somewhat abbreviated, and lacking some elements that can only occur with a congregation. Some religious houses are quarantined together anyway, so they’re carrying on as usual except giving us outsiders the opportunity to look in via the web. Our local St. Meinrad Archabbey is one such example (see: Livestreaming at Saint Meinrad: Holy Week and Easter services Saint Meinrad Archabbey). It may still be slightly different than your parish celebration, but for a first-timer, at least you’ll have a “fuller” experience.