As we draw near to the start of Holy Week this Sunday, 13 April 2025 (Palm Sunday), more than 320,000 Catholics across the Diocese of Parramatta, alongside 230 religious and 130 active and retired clergy, are preparing to come together for a series of profound and traditional observances, reflecting on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
From Palm Sunday to the Easter Vigil, these sacred moments invite us into deep prayer, reflection, and connection.
Here’s a glimpse of what to look out for as we journey through this holiest of seasons:
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – 13 April
Catholic communities throughout the Diocese will mark Palm Sunday with vibrant processions, as parishioners carry palm branches in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. With priests dressed in vivid red vestments, the day is filled with reverence and anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the Passion of the Lord.
Parishioners will also receive palms and olive branches to place in their homes as a reminder of their faith, and the palms are later returned to be made into ashes for Ash Wednesday the following year.
Fourteen of the 15 candles are extinguished during the Office of Tenebrae. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Office of Tenebrae – 14 April
On Monday, St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta will host the solemn Office of Tenebrae, a tradition steeped in the rich symbolism of Christ’s Passion.
The ceremony, which includes prayers, scripture readings, and the dramatic extinguishing of candles, culminates in the ‘strepitus’ – a thunderous noise symbolising the earthquake after Christ’s death. The transcendent Cathedral Choir will envelop your senses. For those who have never experienced Tenebrae, it is a deeply moving and unforgettable moment. Find out more.
Chrism Mass – 16 April
The Chrism Mass will bring clergy and parishioners together as Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, consecrates the Holy Oils used throughout the year for sacraments.
Held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, this Mass offers an opportunity for communal prayer and gratitude. The white vestments worn symbolise purity and renewal, drawing us closer to the heart of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
The Chrism Mass is an important time for priests, who renew their vows and promises made at their ordination, including their vow of obedience to the Bishop, and reaffirm their commitment to their ministry. Find out more.
Fr Matthew Dimian washes the feet of a parishioner during the Holy Thursday Mass at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill in April 2024. Image: Dennis Frketic, F Studio Photography/Supplied
Holy Thursday Mass – 17 April
The Mass for the Lord’s Supper marks the beginning of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, where priests wash the feet of others in an act of humble service, reflecting Jesus’ love and care for His disciples.
Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood by Jesus. It is essentially the first Mass ever celebrated.
Afterwards, the altar is stripped in a poignant reminder of the coming sacrifice. This powerful symbol invites us into a deeper understanding of Christ’s service and sacrifice.
On this day, Bishop Vincent will continue his annual tradition of washing the feet of prisoners, demonstrating Christ’s love for all: “Love one another”.
Good Friday – ‘The Way of the Cross’ – 18 April
Parishes observe the Stations of the Cross, or ‘Way of the Cross, reenacting Christ’s journey to Calvary.
Many youth groups and parishioners participate in these reenactments, as a moving expression of devotion and love for Christ.
The Stations of the Cross as enacted by families at St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, on Good Friday. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Celebration of the Passion of the Lord – 18 April
Good Friday is a day of quiet reflection, marked by the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord around 3pm. The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord is a solemn Christian holy day, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death. In a sign of mourning, altars are left bare.
CYP Good Friday Night Walk – 18-19 April
A powerful tradition, Catholic Youth Parramatta’s annual Good Friday Night Walk sees over 1,300 young people make a prayer-filled procession from Blacktown to Parramatta, walking in solidarity with Christ’s Passion.
The procession ends in the early hours of Saturday morning at St Patrick’s Cathedral, with a breakfast that brings the community together in a profound act of friendship and faith. Be sure to register for this event. Find out more.
Young pilgrims are seen carrying a cross during Catholic Youth Parramatta’s Good Friday Night Walk in April 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil – 19 April
The Easter Vigil is the pinnacle of Holy Week, celebrated with the lighting of the Paschal fire and the joyful procession into the Cathedral.
Parishes throughout the Diocese will celebrate the Vigil with reverence and joy, as we proclaim the Resurrection of Christ with the return of the ‘Alleluia’ and white vestments. It is a time of renewed hope and light, a reminder of the triumph of life over death.
As such, all those attending Mass are invited to renew their baptismal promises. RCIA catechumens will receive the Sacraments in various parishes on this special day, including in Parramatta, Springwood, Kellyville, Penrith and Rouse Hill.
The Easter Duty
The ‘Paschal Precept, or ‘Easter Duty’, encourages all the faithful to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This is to be done between Ash Wednesday (5 March 2025) and Trinity Sunday (15 June 2025), unless for a good reason it is done at another time during the year.
In addition, all the faithful are obliged to confess their grave sins at least once a year.
Mount Schoenstatt Shrine, Mulgoa is one of three pilgrimage established within the Diocese of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Jubilee Indulgence
St Patrick’s Cathedral is also one of the three pilgrimage sites for this Year of Jubilee, offering pilgrims the opportunity to receive a Jubilee Indulgence. Visit and renew your spirit during this holy season.
Find a Mass
If you haven’t yet received the Eucharist or participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, now is the perfect time to do so. Find your local parish to find Mass and confession times during this holy season at our easy to use “Find a Mass” feature on our website.
As we prepare to enter into this sacred time of prayer and reflection, we wish all in the Diocese of Parramatta and beyond a deeply blessed Holy Week and Easter. May this season renew your faith and draw you ever closer to the heart of Christ.
For more information on Lenten observances and to find a Mass in your area, please visit Find a Mass on the Diocese of Parramatta website.
For more information about Lent, visit Journeying through Lent on the Diocese of Parramatta website.
