Last week we talked about avoiding historicizing the Triduum. When we try too hard to reenact the past, showing what we believe it to have looked like in the Upper Room, in the garden of Gethsemane, at Calvary, or the empty tomb, we run the risk of forgetting the point of the paschal mystery—Christ saves us now, here in our time, and draws us into the saving love of the Trinity that redeems all human history. When we use “props” to bring the Gospel to life instead of relying on the extraordinary power of ordinary liturgical symbols, we reduce the story of salvation to one moment in time.

Therefore, on Holy Thursday, do not decorate the place of reservation of the Blessed Sacrament as though it were a garden or a tomb, “for the chapel of repose is not prepared so as to represent the Lord’s burial but for the custody of the eucharistic bread that will be distributed in communion on Good Friday” (Paschale Solemnitatis #55). Remember this space is a chapel for prayer, not a theater. Simple, natural, elegant, and genuine environment is always better than staged, historicized, otherworldly, or overly manufactured settings. There is great beauty in humble art and a simple space which reflect the humility of Jesus and of those called to adore him. Trust the simple space, for there you will find Christ.

As part of your preparation for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, be sure to read or reread the “Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts” (Paschale Solemnitatis), issued by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship in 1988.

In that letter, the three days is called “the triduum of the crucified, buried, and risen” (#38) and the “Easter Triduum” (#27). This is important because the celebration of Holy Thursday and Good Friday are already Easter celebrations! On any day of the Triduum, we do not pretend that Christ has not died or that Christ is not risen. The Triduum is not a historical drama or a “leap back into time.” Rather, we remember what Christ has done for us and still continues to do for us now, which leads us always to the future hope promised in the kingdom.

This is especially important on Holy Thursday at the foot washing. Although it may be quite moving, do not perform the foot washing during the Gospel reading. Doing so makes it too much of a re-enactment instead of a ritual that signifies our participation in Christ’s mission. Also do not assign 12 persons to be those whose feet are washed. Nowhere do the rubrics say to use exactly 12 people, as though they are the 12 apostles. In addition, historical costumes of any kind are not appropriate.

It’s less than three weeks to Lent, but don’t let that distract you from your long-term advance planning of this year’s Triduum because what you do during Lent can become part of your Triduum preparation.

For example, now is the time to hand-pick the liturgical ministers who will serve at the Triduum. Don’t just leave a sign-up sheet in the sacristy for the most important liturgies of the year! Instead, choose from your best altar servers, lectors, psalmists, greeters, ushers, and Communion ministers. You could invite the parish staff, parishioners, and other liturgical ministers to discern who among the parish ministers has shown excellence in their work, commitment to the parish, and humility in their service. 

Let your invitation to serve at the highpoint of the liturgical year be a public affirmation of what your parish expects of all its liturgical ministers. (If you’re having trouble finding enough excellent ministers for the Triduum, that’s your wake-up call to do more ongoing formation and evaluation throughout the year.)

Then invite your chosen ministers to use the Lenten season to prepare spiritually and practice together. Gather with them as a group to do faith sharing on the Triduum readings and to deepen their understanding of the rich treasure of rites we celebrate during those three days. Invite them to pray especially for the catechumens who will celebrate the sacraments that Easter.