As the season of Lent draws to a close, we enter Holy Week—the most sacred and transformative time in the Church’s liturgical year. This is the week when sorrow and joy intertwine, when darkness gives way to light, and when the story of our salvation unfolds in the most profound way.
Holy Week is a journey of faith, beginning with the triumphant entrance of Jesus on Palm Sunday and culminating in the radiant joy of Easter Sunday. Each day invites us deeper into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection through powerful and beautiful liturgies that speak to the depths of our souls.
Holy Week 2025 is an opportunity to pause, pray, and renew your heart in God’s love. As we walk this sacred path together as a faith community, may we be drawn ever closer to the hope and glory of the Resurrection. We look forward to sharing this holy time with you.
Palm Sunday April 13 ~ The Journey Begins
Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30pm | Sunday Mass Times 8am, 10am, 12pm, 5:30pm
Holy Week begins with the symbolic celebration of Palm Sunday, marking Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the crowd welcomed Him with palm branches, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13). Yet, within days, those same voices would turn to condemnation, reminding us of the fragility of human faith and the depth of Christ’s love. The liturgy begins in the narthex, where the priest blesses the palms, symbolizing both victory and humility. Palm Sunday is the first time we hear the Lord’s Passion in the liturgical calendar and invites us to reflect on how we welcome Christ into our lives—are we ready to walk with Him through both joy and suffering? As we hold our blessed palms, may they be a reminder to follow Him with unwavering trust, preparing our hearts for the sacred journey of Holy Week.
Monday through Wednesday of Holy Week, April 14 through April 16
Daily Masses are Monday 8am & 6:30pm (in Spanish) | Tuesday 8am & 6:30pm | Wednesday 12pm
The days of Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday offer a quiet yet profound journey toward the events of the Triduum. Daily Mass continues as usual, but the Gospel readings prepare our hearts for the liturgies of the coming days, focusing on betrayal, love, and mercy.
On Monday, we hear the powerful story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Judas, already plotting his betrayal, criticizes her selfless act as wasteful, but Mary reveals the true meaning of devotion—pouring oneself out in gratitude and love before the Lord. Her actions remind us that true generosity stems from a heart free of sin and blind self-interest.
On Tuesday, we read about Jesus’ troubled but steadfast response to Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s impending denial. In the midst of His sorrow, Jesus remains in control, embracing His Passion with love and courage. He offers Himself to restore all of Israel, showing us that, despite the darkness, His love will always have the final word.
Wednesday, known as Spy Wednesday or Silent Wednesday, marks the moment when Judas seals his betrayal for thirty pieces of silver. Despite knowing Judas’ treachery, Jesus does not condemn him but quietly offers him a chance for repentance. This day is also marked by silence in the Gospels, leading some to believe that Jesus took time to rest with His friends in Bethany after days of confrontation with the authorities.
These quiet days invite us to reflect on the themes of betrayal, mercy, and love, preparing our hearts for the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Let us use this time to deepen our relationship with Him, as He journeys toward the Cross for our salvation.
Holy Thursday April 17 ~ The Beginning of the Triduum
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm | Holy Thursday Repository Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 8:30pm through Midnight
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three sacred days leading up to Jesus’ glorious Resurrection. Known formally as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, this day commemorates the first celebration of the Eucharist, where Jesus shared His Body and Blood with His disciples. It is also called Maundy Thursday in some Christian traditions, referring to Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
During this liturgy, the Holy Oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Holy Chrism—are processed through the church, signifying the spiritual nourishment and healing they will bring to the community throughout the year. These oils are blessed by the bishop earlier in the week, reinforcing the sacred bond of the Church.
A key moment in the Mass is the washing of the feet, where the priest humbly washes the feet of twelve parishioners, echoing Jesus’ loving act of service to His disciples. This gesture reminds us that true leadership in the Kingdom of God is rooted in humility and selfless love. In 2016, Pope Francis expanded this ritual to include both men and women, reflecting the inclusive nature of Christ’s love.
As the Mass concludes, the altar is stripped bare, and the Blessed Sacrament is taken to the altar of repose for adoration. This beautiful, quiet time of prayer lasts from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, inviting us to join Christ in His agony in the garden, awaiting the sacrifice that will bring us salvation.
Holy Thursday invites us to reflect on Jesus’ gift of Himself to us and challenges us to serve others with the same love and humility He showed. Let us enter this sacred day with open hearts, ready to follow Him in the days to
Good Friday April 18 ~ The Passion of the Lord
Morning Prayer 8am | Stations of the Cross in Spanish 12pm | Teen Living Stations of the Cross 3pm | The Passion of the Lord 7pm
Good Friday is the most solemn day of the Church year, a day of fasting, reflection, and deep reverence as we commemorate the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. It is the only day of the year when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated, reminding us of the profound silence and sorrow that fell over the world at Christ’s crucifixion.
The day begins with Morning Prayer at 8 a.m., followed by the Stations of the Cross in Spanish at 12 p.m. and the Living Stations of the Cross at 3 p.m., the hour of Christ’s death. The main liturgy of Good Friday is solemn and reflective—there is no entrance procession, and instead of a traditional Mass, the Passion of the Lord is proclaimed, and the Eucharist, consecrated on Holy Thursday, is distributed.
A defining moment of the Good Friday service is the Veneration of the Cross, where the faithful are invited to come forward and reverence the wood of the Cross, a powerful act of love and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. Another unique aspect is the Solemn Intercessions, a series of prayers offered for the Church, the world, and all in need of God’s mercy, uniting Catholics everywhere in a spirit of hope and intercession.
Good Friday is a day of stillness and awe—a time to stand at the foot of the Cross with Mary and John, to gaze upon the suffering Christ, and to contemplate the depths of His love. As we journey through this sacred day, may our hearts be opened to the mystery of redemption and the promise of Resurrection that awaits.
Holy Saturday April 19 ~ The Vigil of Light & Resurrection
Morning Prayer 8am | Blessing of Food & Easter Baskets 12pm | Easter Vigil with Adult Baptism 8pm
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet anticipation, a sacred pause between the sorrow of the Cross and the joy of the Resurrection. As an ancient homily proclaims, “There is a great silence on earth today, a great stillness, silence because the King is asleep. God has died in the flesh, and hell trembles with fear.” We begin the day with Morning Prayer at 8 am, embracing the stillness as we await the triumph of Christ.
At 12 pm, we gather for the Blessing of Food and Easter Baskets, a beautiful tradition with deep roots in Eastern European Catholicism, particularly in Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Families bring baskets filled with symbolic foods—bread for Christ’s body, eggs for new life, and meats and dairy to celebrate the end of Lenten fasting. This custom, dating back centuries, reflects the joy and gratitude of the Resurrection, as families prepare to break their Lenten fast with a meal blessed in God’s name.
The pinnacle of this day is the Easter Vigil at 8pm, the most beautiful and solemn liturgy of the entire Church year. It will be livestreamed, and incense will be used at this liturgy. It is the culmination of the Triduum and the glorious beginning of the Easter celebration. The Vigil must begin after sunset, symbolizing the transition from death to new life. Outside the church, a fire is kindled, and from it, the Paschal candle is lit—the light of Christ breaking through the darkness. This flame is then shared, spreading from candle to candle throughout the church, illuminating the gathered faithful.
The Liturgy of the Word unfolds in darkness, revealing through a series of readings how salvation history, from Creation to Christ, finds its fulfillment in the Resurrection. The Liturgy of Baptism follows, welcoming new members into the Church as catechumens receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and their first Holy Communion, embracing the fullness of life in Christ.
The Easter Vigil is a liturgy of unparalleled joy, filled with triumphant hymns and the long-awaited return of the Alleluia. On this sacred night, we proclaim with one voice: Christ is risen! He is truly risen! Let us enter into this holy celebration with hearts ready to rejoice, for the light of the Risen Christ has conquered the darkness forever.
Easter Sunday April 20 ~ The Joy of the Resurrection
Easter Mass Times 8am, 10am in the Church & Gym, 12pm in the Church & Gym
Easter Sunday is the greatest feast of the Church year, the glorious celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The sorrow of the Passion has passed, and now the world rejoices—Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
A beautiful Easter tradition echoes throughout Christian communities on this day. When one proclaims, “He is risen!”, the response joyfully follows: “He is risen indeed!” This ancient greeting, rooted in the early Church, is a powerful reminder that the Resurrection is not just an event of the past, but a living reality that transforms our hearts and lives today.
The joy and splendor of the Easter Vigil continue into Easter Sunday Mass, where the church is adorned with radiant flowers, especially white lilies, symbolizing purity and new life. The Alleluia, silenced throughout Lent, resounds once again in triumphant song. Families dress in their finest attire, reflecting the beauty and reverence of this sacred day.
Our Easter Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8 am, 10 am, and 12 pm. Please note that there will be no 5:30 pm Mass on Easter Sunday. The 10 am and 12 pm Masses will have simultaneous celebrations—one inside the church and one in the gym—to accommodate all who wish to worship. The 10 am Mass will be livestreamed, and incense will be used at this liturgy.
Though the structure of the liturgy resembles that of Ordinary Time, Easter is anything but ordinary. It is the most attended Mass of the year, drawing the faithful together in a profound expression of joy and renewal. This is the day that defines our faith, for as St. Paul tells us, “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17).
As we come together to celebrate the Resurrection, may our hearts be filled with the hope and promise of new life in Christ for He has defeated sin, death, satan and hell. Let us go forth proclaiming with joy:
“He is risen!”
“He is risen indeed!”
Directions & Location
We’re located in southeast Aurora, near the Naperville border, just off S. Eola Road. You’ll find us near the Eola Community Center and a short drive from the Fox Valley Mall.
Our Address: 701 S. Eola Rd., Aurora, IL 60504
Easter FAQs
When are the Mass times?
Easter Vigil Mass on 3/30th is at 8pm with Adult Baptism.
Easter Sunday Mass times on 3/31st are 8am, 10am, and 12pm. Please note there is no 5:30pm Mass.
Which Mass time is livestreamed? And how can I watch?
The 10am Mass will be livestreamed. You can also watch it on our home page, YouTube, and Facebook.
Will there be enough seating?
While there are plenty of seats available, seating in our Sanctuary is on a first-come-first-served basis. The 10am & Noon Mass Times have two Masses taking place; one in the Church and one in the Gym.
Will incense be used?
Yes at Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper 4/17th at 7pm, the Easter Vigil on Saturday 4/19th at 8pm and on Easter Sunday 4/20th at 10am.
I have not been to Mass in a long time, do you have any advice?
We hope the following will help; “9 Tip Survival Guide for Returning to Mass When You Haven’t Been in Awhile”
Please know that we look forward to seeing you!
The Power of a Simple Invitation~Who Will You Invite to Easter Mass?
Enclosed are invitations to Easter Sunday Mass, as well as to the Triduum liturgies: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil
As we enter the holiest of weeks—a week that forever changed the world—we are invited to reflect on the most significant events in history: the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God. Nothing—absolutely nothing—compares to the significance of this week and these sacred moments.
Mindful of this truth, and mindful that these events are the very foundation of our hope, let us also remember those around us—our coworkers, classmates, teammates, neighbors, and friends—who may be struggling or searching for something more, yet do not know God. This Holy Week, let’s prayerfully consider: Who can we invite to experience the beauty and grace of these sacred liturgies?
A priest once shared how, over years of preparing people to enter the Church, he was always struck by how many of them said they would have come much sooner—if only someone had invited them. There are people just beyond our parish doors who may never encounter Jesus unless we extend an invitation or live our faith in such a way that they are drawn to ask what makes us different.
Let’s change that this year. Let’s invite someone to Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil—the most beautiful liturgy of the year, the “mother of all vigils,” the greatest and most noble of all solemnities—and, of course, to Easter Sunday. For in these sacred celebrations, hope is found. And nowhere else.
Enclosed are invitations to Easter Sunday Mass, as well as to the Triduum liturgies: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Please prayerfully consider who you might share them with. A simple invitation could make all the difference. Click on an image below to download, save and share with a friend.
Your all-powerful word from heaven’s royal throne leapt into the doomed land, a fierce warrior bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree, and alighted, and filled every place with death, and touched heaven, while standing upon the earth. ~Wisdom 18:14-16