Holy Thursday - Mass of Our Lord’s Supper
As the sun sets and evening begins, our Lenten journey comes to an end and Easter opens before us. The Easter Triduum, the three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord, begins. Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, as well as the “Mandatum”, the commandment to love another as Christ loves us, shown in the humility and love with which Christ washed the feet of the Disciples.
Prelude: Passover Blessing (Canticle in Hebrew)
In Hebrew we will hear:
Praise be Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Praised be Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who didst choose us from among all people for Thy service, and exalted us by teaching us holiness through Thy commandments.
Out of love hast Thou given us, O Lord our God, holidays for gladness, festivals and seasons for rejoicing, among them this day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the season of our freedom, a festival of holy assembly, commemorating our liberation from Egypt.
From among all peoples hast Thou chosen us, and didst sanctify us by giving us Thy holy festivals as a joyous heritage.
Praised be Thou, O Lord, who hallows Israel and the Festivals.
Praised be Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who hast kept us in life and sustained us,
and enabled us to reach this season.
Processional Hymn - 501 - Glory in the Cross
We should glory in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for he is our salvation,
our life and resurrection;
through him we are saved and made free.
Sing my tongue the hymn of glory,
Of the final conflict sing.
Shout the triumph of the victim;
Far and wide the echoes ring:
Jesus Christ, the world’s salvation, From the cross now reigns as King.2. Tell how, when at length the fullness Of the holy time had come,
Christ was sent, the world’s Creator,
From the Father’s heav’nly home,
And was found among us dwelling, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.3. With the thirty years now ended,
Which on earth he willed to see,
Willingly he meets his passion,
Born to set his people free;
On the cross the Lamb is lifted,
There the sacrifice to be.4. Faithful Cross, true sign of triumph,
Be for all the noblest tree;
None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit your peer may be; Symbol of the world’s redemption,
For your burden makes us free.
Kyrie
Deacon: Lord Jesus, you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Christ Jesus, you are the high priest who ministers to us at the altar of God: Christ, have mercy.
All: Christ, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord Jesus, you nourish us with your Body and Blood: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you,
We glorify you,
We give you thanks for your great glory.
Lord God, heavenly king,
O God, Almighty Father.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace to people of good will.
Lord, Jesus Christ,
Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
You take away the sins of the world,
Receive our prayer;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace to people of good will.
For you alone are the Holy One,
You alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father,
Amen, amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace to people of good will.
Opening Prayer
(please be seated after the opening prayer)
Liturgy of the Word
1st Reading –
Exodus 12:1-8,11-14
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall stand at the head of your calendar; you shall reckon it the first month of the year.
Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every one of your families must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household.
If a family is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join the nearest household in procuring one and shall share in the lamb in proportion to the number of persons who partake of it.
The lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish. You may take it from either the sheep or the goats.
You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, and then, with the whole assembly of Israel present, it shall be slaughtered during the evening twilight.
They shall take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel of every house in which they partake of the lamb.
That same night they shall eat its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
“This is how you are to eat it: with your loins girt, sandals on your feet and your staff in hand, you shall eat like those who are in flight.
It is the Passover of the LORD.
For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every firstborn of the land, both man and beast, and executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD!
But the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the blood, I will pass over you; thus, when I strike the land of Egypt, no destructive blow will come upon you.
“This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD, as a perpetual institution.”
The word of the Lord.
All: THANKS BE TO GOD.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of the LORD.
How can I make a return to the LORD for all God has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up, I will call on the name of the LORD.
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of the LORD.
Precious indeed in the sight of the LORD is the death of the faithful ones.
And I am your servant, your chosen one, for you have set me free.
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of the LORD.
Unto your name, I will offer my thanks for the debt that I owe to you.
In the presence of all who have called on your name, in the courts of the house of the LORD.
R. Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of the LORD.
2nd Reading – Corinthians 11:23-26
Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
The word of the Lord.
All: THANKS BE TO GOD.
Gospel Acclamation
(please stand)
(all sing)
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
Cantor sings - I give you a new commandment, says the Lord:
love one another as I have loved you.
(all sing)
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
Gospel – John 13:1-15
The Lord be with you.
ALL: And with your spirit.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John+ + +
ALL: Glory to you, O Lord.
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: PRAISE TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Homily
(please be seated)
Washing of the Feet
Msgr. Bell: Jesus was intentional in meeting with his disciples for the final time. In the washing of his disciples’ feet, Jesus gave us a model of humility and service. As he has done, so we are to do. That ritual continues on tonight.
May those who have been invited come forward and be seated.
(Those who have been selected beforehand come forward to have their feet washed while we sing “This is My Example”.)
Song for Washing of the Feet: This is My Example
This is my example, love as I love you.
This is my example, love as I love, love as I love you.
1. Breaking bread with friends as his life was at an end, Jesus knelt to wash their feet.
2. In a time to come you will know what I have done; let me wash you, let me serve.
3. Simon Peter said, “Wash my hands, my feet, my head!” Jesus looked on him with love.
4. Make my love complete, go and wash each other’s feet; what I have done so you must do.
5. To poor and weak, be the comfort that they seek; let my example be your guide.
6. May your lives be one in this work I have begun; come and follow where I lead.
7. Go forth and care for all people everywhere. Find your strength within may love.
8. Speak my words of peace. To the capture bring release. Go embrace them in my name.
9. If my love you bear to the people everywhere, all will know that you are mine.
10. In your faith is pow’r to embrace the darkest hour; go without fear to heal and, heal and serve.
11. This my life I give; I must die that you may live. All this I do for love of you.
12. When your lives are through I will come to welcome you. We will be forever one.
This is my example, love as I love you.
This is my example, love as I love, love as I love you.
Prayer of the Faithful
(Please stand)
After each invocation, the Deacon proclaims and the people respond:
Deacon: We pray:
All: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER
Presentation of the Oils
Deacon: The Chrism Mass is concelebrated by the Bishop and the priests in the diocese. In this diocese earlier on Tuesday they renewed their priestly promises. At the same time, the holy Chrism is consecrated for use in Baptism, Confirmation, and Ordination, and the Oils of Catechumens and the Sacrament of the Sick are blessed.
These oils to be used in our parish are presented now. The Rite of Reception of the Holy Oils at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper maintains the strong link between the Chrism Mass and the Paschal Triduum as well as the recognition of the diocesan bishop as having the fullness of Jesus’ priesthood.
The Oil of the Sick
Deacon: This oil is used for anointing those who are ill in body, mind or spirit. Our prayer is that all who are anointed with this oil may be brought to health and strength.
Cantor sings:
From the fruit of olive branches
Comes the oil for healing here.
Lord, we ask you, make it holy,
Touch the sick and calm their fear.
All sing:
Son of God, anointed Savior,
Priest and prophet, humble king!
Bless this oil for our anointing:
So may we your praises sing.
Msgr. Bell: May the sick who are anointed with this oil experience the compassion of
Christ and his saving love, in body, mind, and soul.
Cantor sings:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Sign of healing from our God!
All sing:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Sign of healing from our God!
The Oil of Catechumens
Deacon: This oil is used in preparing people for the Sacrament of Baptism. Our prayer is that, as with ancient athletes and warriors, whose anointing with oil helps them face difficult challenges, those who are anointed with the Oil of Catechumens may be strengthened to meet the challenges of their baptismal calling.
Cantor sings:
Rich in kindness, rich in mercy,
Lord, from whom all blessings flow!
By this sign of your salvation
Catechumens’ faith may grow.
All sing:
Son of God, anointed Savior,
Priest and prophet, humble king!
Bless this oil for our anointing:
So may we your praises sing.
Msgr. Bell: Through anointing with this oil may our catechumens who are preparing to receive the saving waters of baptism be strengthened by Christ to resist the power of Satan and reject evil in all its forms.
Cantor sings:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Gift of wisdom and of strength!
All sing:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Gift of wisdom and of strength!
The Sacred Chrism
Deacon: This is a mixture of oil and perfume, and is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. It is also used in the consecration of churches and sacred objects. Our prayer is that, through the use of this aromatic oil, those anointed with it may be reminded that they have been consecrated to God to live good and holy lives as faithful disciples of his Son.
Cantor sings:
Baptized and confirmed with Chrism,
We become a holy race.
Members of a priestly people,
Sharers in your life of grace.
All sing:
Son of God, anointed Savior,
Priest and prophet, humble king!
Bless this oil for our anointing:
So may we your praises sing.
Msgr. Bell: Through anointing with this perfumed Chrism may children and adults, who are baptized and confirmed, and presbyters, who are ordained, experience the gracious gift of the Holy Spirit.
Cantor sings:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Fragrance of the Spirit’s breath!
All sing:
Oil of blessing, holy oil,
Fragrance of the Spirit’s breath!
(please be seated)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Offertory Hymn - 500 -
Ubi Caritas
Ubi caritas et amor.
Ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
(Translation: Where charity and love are found, God is there.)
Preface
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right and just.
Sanctus
The Sanctus acclamation is sung to conclude the introduction of the eucharistic prayer.
(all sing)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Memorial Acclamation
The acclamation follows the priest’s invitation: The Mystery of Faith.
(all sing)
Save us, Savior,
of the world,
for by your Cross and Resurrection,
you have set us free.
Doxology:
The Eucharistic prayer concludes:
Priest: Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever.
All (sung): Amen, amen, amen!
Our Father
All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass
against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest: ... and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
All: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Sign of Peace
Priest The peace of the Lord be with you always.
All: And with your spirit.
To each other: Peace be with you.
(all may exchange a sign of peace)
Lamb of God (sung)
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Invitation to Communion
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
(While Holy Communion is reserved for Catholics, persons of all faiths wishing to receive a blessing may participate in the
communion procession. Place your arms across your chest to indicate you would like to receive this blessing.)
Communion Hymns:
Ave Verum Corpus
Ave verum corpus,
natum de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine
cuius latus perforatum
unda fluxit et sanguine:
esto nobis praegustatum
in mortis examine.
Translation:
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for mankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a sweet foretaste
in the trial of death!
Communion Hymn 2: 914
Lord, Who at Your First Eucharist
Lord, who at your first Eucharist did pray
That all your Church might be forever one,
Help us at ev'ry Eucharist to say
With longing heart and soul, "Your will be done."
Thus may we all one Bread, one Body be,
Through this blest Sacrament of Unity.
For all your Church, O Lord, we intercede;
O make our lack of charity to cease;
Draw us the nearer each to each, we plead,
By drawing all to you, O Prince of Peace;
Thus may we all one Bread, one Body be,
Through this blest Sacrament of Unity.
We pray for those who wander from your fold;
O bring them back,
Good Shepherd of the sheep,
Back to the faith which saints
believed of old,
Back to the Church which still
that faith does keep;
Thus may we all one Bread, one Body be,
Through this blest Sacrament of Unity.
So, Lord, at length when sacraments
shall cease,
May we be one with all your Church above,
One with your saints in one
unbroken peace,
One with your saints in one
unbounded love;
More blessed still, in peace and love to be
One with the Trinity in Unity
Stay Here and Keep Watch With Me
(instrumental)
Transfer of
the Holy Eucharist
Upon the conclusion of the Communion Rite, the remaining Eucharistic bread is carried solemnly from the altar. The assembly sings the ancient chant “Pange Lingua” as the procession moves through the church, and finally to the adjacent building, to the altar of repose. Please follow the procession and “keep watch” for a while before the Eucharist at the Altar of Repose.
Pange lingua gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
Quem in mundi pretium
Fructus ventris generosi,
Rex effudit gentium.Nobis datus, nobis natus
Ex intacta Virgine
Et in mundo conversatus,
Sparso verbi semine,
Sui moras incolatus
Miro clausit ordine.In supremae nocte coenae
Recumbens cum fratribus,
Observata lege plene
Cibis in legalibus,
Cibum turbae duodenae
Se dat suis manibusVerbum caro, panem verum
Verbo carnem efficit:
Fitque sanguis Christi merum,
Et si sensus deficit,
Ad firmandum cor sincerum
Sola fides sufficit.
(repeat verses 1-4 until the Procession enters the other building and the altar of repose)
5. Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
6. Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio. Amen
