What are Holy Week obligations and traditions?

[Mavzylor]

I know there is a silence observed from 12-3 on Good Friday. I know there is a special mass each day of the Paschal Triduum. Are there any other special observances throughout Holy Week or any traditions I should be aware of?

 

[Maximilian75]

There is usually Mass Thursday evening. While you aren’t obligated to go, I would reccomend you do.

Then, there is another liturgy on Good Friday, with the reverencing of the Cross, the Good Friday Petitions, and distribution of Communion.

Normally, yes, we should try to abstain from servile work for the whole Triduum, but most especially on Good Friday and the hours from 12 to 3

Then, on Holy Saturday, there is no formal liturgy.

Finally, the Easter Vigil occurs, and the great feast of the Church begins.

 

[paperwight]

I know there is a silence observed from 12-3 on Good Friday.

How do you mean? In church? I have never heard of silence in everyday life, and there might be circumstances where it would be against charity to try it - nursing, for instance, or being a carer.

It would certainly help to emphasise the awfulness of the day, but it would have to come under the heading of a personal devotion, and dependent on one’s duties.

 

[Mavzylor]

Sorry, I meant as a tradition, not as an obligation.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The only obligation is for fasting and abstinence on Good Friday.

On the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday many parishes offer morning prayer.

The liturgies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday are different from what you encounter most of the year. On Good Friday many parishes also offer Stations of the Cross.

Blessed Triduum.

 

[gracepoole]

Check out this online copy of Around the Year with the Trapp Family, which provides a great overview of traditions throughout the liturgical year including Holy Week:

https://www.ewtn.com/library/family/trapp.txt

The customs detailed here are old but steeped in history and cultural import.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Go to tenebrae if you can. It’s the best kept tradition for me, and really brings home the beauty of Liturgy and the Church.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

How do you mean? In church? I have never heard of silence in everyday life, and there might be circumstances where it would be against charity to try it - nursing, for instance, or being a carer.

It’s called the Three Hours’ Silence and it is an optional devotion.
Obviously if you have to be a carer, go to work at your job etc. you don’t need to do it.

 

[casslean]

Stations of the Cross are often observed on Good Friday - many churches dramatize or offer special “Way of the Cross” presentations, like a Childrens’ Way of the Cross. Even without one, you might want to consider following one with your own set of devotions.