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.
Why Observe Holy Week?
What Is Holy Week? | Why Does It Matter?
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week stands as the most profound and meaningful period in the Christian calendar—a sacred time intentionally set aside to reflect deeply on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It unfolds over eight days, beginning with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Christ’s celebrated entrance into Jerusalem, and reaches its pinnacle during the Triduum, culminating in Easter Sunday.
The Triduum—a Latin word meaning “three days”—refers specifically to the sacred period beginning the evening of Holy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper), continuing through Good Friday (marking Jesus’ crucifixion and death), and ending with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. These three days are considered the holiest in the Christian year, drawing us into the heart of our faith: the suffering, death, and victorious resurrection of Christ.
Why Does It Matter?
In many predominantly Catholic countries, Holy Week is a significant period marked by national observance. For instance, in the Philippines, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are official public holidays, leading to the closure of government offices, businesses, and schools, allowing citizens to engage in religious activities and family gatherings. Similarly, in Mexico, the week is recognized as a major vacation period, with schools typically closed and many businesses shutting down operations to honor the religious significance of the time. In Poland, while Good Friday and Holy Saturday are not official public holidays, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are national holidays, with widespread closures of businesses and institutions, allowing for religious observance and family gatherings .
Though modern life rarely offers the luxury of time off—aside from perhaps a few hours on Good Friday—we’re still invited to pause, reflect, and draw nearer to Jesus. Intentionally walking through each day of Holy Week allows us to enter into the mystery of His love and sacrifice, and encourages us to take up our own cross as His followers.
Palm Sunday April 13 ~ The Journey Begins
Saturday Vigil Mass 4pm | 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.
Final Opportunities for Confession Before Easter April 15 & April 16
Tuesday 7pm | Wednesday 12:30pm
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, we invite you to receive the healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The final scheduled Confession times at our parish before Easter are:
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Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 PM
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Wednesday, April 16 at 1:00 PM
If you haven’t yet made time for this beautiful sacrament, we warmly encourage you to come!
Looking for other opportunities? Visit [this link] to find Confession times at nearby parishes.
Please note:
There will be no Confessions on Holy Thursday at 7:00 AM, Good Friday at 12:30 PM, and Holy Saturday at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
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 most sacred days of the Church year, leading up to Jesus’ glorious Resurrection. The word Triduum comes from the Latin tres dies, meaning “three days.” While we observe four calendar days—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday—the Church, following the Jewish tradition, counts days from sundown to sundown. Therefore, the Easter Triduum spans three sacred 24-hour periods, beginning on Holy Thursday evening and concluding at sundown on Easter Sunday.
This night of Holy Thursday is one of the most eventful and significant days in Jesus’ entire life—and, therefore, in ours as well. For on this night, our Lord Jesus gave us three gifts by which He would remain with us always: Jesus gave us the gift of the priesthood of the new covenant, the gift of the Eucharist, and the gift of His example of love.
The Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, a solemn celebration that commemorates the institution of the Eucharist—the moment when Jesus shared His Body and Blood with His disciples. In some Christian traditions, this day is also called Maundy Thursday, derived from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ words: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This Mass will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed.
During the liturgy, the sacred oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Holy Chrism—are solemnly processed through the church. These oils, blessed by the bishop earlier in Holy Week, symbolize the healing and sanctifying grace that will be poured out on the faithful throughout the year, and they highlight the unity of the local parish with the wider Church.
One of the most moving moments of the Mass is the washing of feet. Following Jesus’ example, the priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners, reflecting Christ’s humble act of service to His disciples. This gesture powerfully reminds us that leadership in God’s Kingdom is rooted in humility and love. In 2016, Pope Francis broadened this ritual to include both men and women, emphasizing the all-inclusive nature of Christ’s love and call to serve.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the altar is stripped in silence, and the Blessed Sacrament is reverently carried in procession to the altar of repose located in the Parish Life Center. There, the faithful are invited to spend time in quiet adoration from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, keeping watch with Jesus in the garden and entering into the mystery of His suffering and surrender.
Holy Thursday invites us to reflect deeply on the immeasurable love of Christ—a love that gives, serves, and remains with us. As we enter into the sacred days of the Triduum, may our hearts be open to receive these three great gifts and to walk closely with our Lord through His Passion into the joy of the Resurrection.
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 celebration of the Lord’s Passion begins at 7pm and will be livestreamed. 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 joyful celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. The sorrow of the Passion has passed, and now we rejoice: Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
A beloved tradition echoes through Christian communities on this day. When one proclaims, “He is risen!” the joyful response follows: “He is risen indeed!” This ancient greeting reminds us that the Resurrection is not just a moment in history, but a living reality that transforms our lives today.
The joy of the Easter Vigil continues into Easter Sunday Mass, as churches are adorned with white lilies, symbolizing purity and new life. The Alleluia returns in triumphant song, and families come together in their Sunday best to honor this sacred day.
Our Easter Sunday Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM. Please note there is no 5:30 PM Mass on Easter. To welcome all who wish to attend, the 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM Masses will be held simultaneously in the church and gym. The 10:00 AM Mass will be livestreamed and will include the use of incense. Don’t forget to visit our Easter photo area after Mass—it’s a great spot to capture the joy of the day with a family photo or a quick selfie!
Though the structure of the liturgy may feel familiar, Easter is anything but ordinary. It’s the most attended Mass of the year and the foundation of our faith. As St. Paul says, “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 overflow with the hope and promise of new life in Christ. Let us go forth, rejoicing and proclaiming the truth that changes everything:
“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.
What about parking?
On-campus parking is available, but it fills quickly on Easter, so we recommend arriving early. Additional public parking is available right next door at the Eola Community Center, just a short walk from Our Lady of Mercy.
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