Our Beautiful Easter Triduum ~ by Ronnie Archer

The 2007 celebration of the Triduum at St. Elizabeth’s was, in my opinion…magnificent. Gwen Woodruff and I talked on Friday morning about how beautiful and moving the celebration of the Lord’s Last Supper on Holy Thursday was; and as she put it, “it brought back so many beautiful memories from our past”.

The “12 apostles” who were chosen previously, were seated on the altar for the footwashing service and that just seemed so appropriate …just to have the twelve take part in that. It was a powerful symbol of what Jesus did to give us an example of what we are to do; that is, to serve one another. During the footwashing, the choir sang “CHANGE” which in my opinion, was perfect to sing during that time.

Fr. Andrew explained each part of the service in a very clear and concise manner. He said that we all need a “model” to follow Jesus and that was our model…showing us to give service to each other. After the repose of the Eucharist, Fr. Andrew invited the congregation to “visit” awhile, in silence, with Jesus…referring to the scripture in Matthew ..”The Agony in the Garden”..when Jesus became sorrowful and distressed and asked the disciples to stay with Him, and they fell asleep. Most of the congregation responded to the invitation.


On Good Friday John’s version of the Passion was very well read by Frances and Shelton, with Fr. Andrew, as Jesus, and the choir as the “crowd”. As Fr. Andrew began the homily he asked if anybody was “carrying a cross”..all responded affirmatively, then he asked rhetorically…”what kind of cross are you carrying?” …..I was eager, as I suppose others were, to hear just what he was “getting at”!! He explained that there were three crosses: one is the “cross of rebellion”; one, the “cross of repentance”, and third, the “cross of redemption”..asking us again to think about it.; which, at times I feel I carry all three.

When the time came for Veneration of the Cross, Fr. Andrew explained that we should genuflect three times….remembering the three crosses. He told us to take a few steps and genuflect the first time, taking a few more steps, then genuflect the second time, then take a few more steps, genuflecting the third time. While venerating the cross, I noticed that most people seemed to genuflect the first time at the fourth or fifth pew of the church; which I found, since many of us are senior citizens, the pews gave us much needed support to hold to, as we genuflected.

Fr. Andrew explained also that it is called GOOD FRIDAY because it IS good; even though Jesus was crucified and died that there was the RESURRECTION! I left both services with a feeling of having participated in a VERY memorable and inspirational Holy Thursday and Good Friday.


Then came our VIGIL…which began with the congregation processing outside to the parking lot behind the church for the blessing of the new fire. We were all given a candle to share in the light of Christ to dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. Each of us was given a twig to throw into the fire which symbolized the “burning of our sins”. We processed back inside, had our candles lit from the Paschal Candle, and were seated. Diane sang the Exultet beautifully. The seven readings were well proclaimed, along with a prayer by Fr. Andrew and a response between each reading that was also sung by Diane.

Those candidates for Baptism were invited to come forward. Baptism was administered to Katrinia, her baby Isaiah, and Angela (Hall) Cotman’s 3 yr old son, Vincent. Afterwards, the candidates for Confirmation, Stacy Wright and Katrinia Murray received that Sacrament. During the Lord’s Prayer, the 4 children, Israel, Precious, Carleen and Nichelle, who were to receive their First Eucharist were invited to come forward, as well as Stacy and Katrinia to gather around the altar for the consecration. The Sacrament of the Eucharist was given to all of them first, then our congregation received.

At the conclusion of Mass, Fr. Andrew told us that we would receive a small bottle of holy water to take home; and if and when anyone would like for him to come to bless their home, to call and let him know, he would be happy to do so. The Women's Group coordinated a very nice reception in the hall after Mass. There was plenty of good food, as well as a beautiful cake with all of the newly baptized, confirmed, and First Eucharist recipients' names on it.

There were so many people in attendance that not all of our members received holy water, but Frances said they would order more. We had Great attendance on ALL THREE NIGHTS, which was wonderful. Fr. Andrew again thanked everybody who had any input in making the TRIDUUM a beautiful experience; but gave a special THANK YOU to Frances Pope, who truly deserves all of our THANKS.