Tenebrae questions

[Paed]

I have been asked to be the “snuffer” for Tenebrae service.

Is there anyone who can link me to a basic explaination of the ceremony?

I have never attended a wednesday Tenebrae and have no idea what is in store for me. It is my understanding that I will be snuffing a candle after some scripture is read until I hav snuffed out 14 of them then I take the last candle (the fifteenth one) and hide it in the sacristy then the priest makes a big slamming noise and I bring the candle back out.

 

[JohnnyK]

our parish here in NJ has one, but I have not attended one. here’s a link to an explanation I found:

kencollins.com/question-39.htm

 

[whatevergirl]

Am I even spelling it right?
There’s a service tonight, called tenebrae, but I’m not sure what is signifiies?

Can someone help me understand?

Thanks,
WG

 

[decn2b]

It is a scripture reading service. Tenebrae means darkness. The church is dimmly lit and 17 candles are set up on the altar. The candles are placed in special holders called a “hearse” (no joke). THe priest or deacon reads an OT passage and the acolyte (I use the term loosely) snuffs out one candle. When all of the candles but one (which is placed center of the altar) are snuffed the acolyte takes it behind the altar (or out of sight) and the priest strikes a table with a book to signify the closing of the tomb. THen the candle is brought back as the only light in the church. Then people leave.

In a nutshell it is a prayer service.