From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

In the event that the State of Minnesota’s request that residents refrain from large gatherings continues through the middle of April to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is offering a virtual Holy Week retreat and inviting all to participate.

The week-long retreat – planned and organized by Bishop Andrew Cozzens – begins Palm Sunday (April 5) with Mass from the Saint Paul Seminary and culminates with the Easter Vigil Mass from the Cathedral of Saint Paul April 11. Each day has two parts: Mass or prayer at 9 a.m. followed by directed Lectio Divina. The evening session will begin at 7 p.m. and consist of conferences from Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Bishop Cozzens, Father Charles Lachowitzer and Father John Ubel. All of the events will be live streamed or recorded and available on the Archdiocese’s website for all who would like to participate.

“Holy week is the most sacred time of the year for Catholics and this year it may be that most of us are confined to our homes,” Bishop Cozzens said, “It could be a great opportunity to enter into prayer and contemplation of the great mysteries of our faith. Each day of Holy Week we plan to offer an opportunity to enter more into the mystery of Christ’s love and redemption. We will offer time to join in prayer, including the mysteries of the Sacred Triduum, as well as inspirational conferences to help us meditate on how we can become better disciples of Jesus through these mysteries.”

For more information, check the Archdiocese’s website, archspm.org/holyweek.

Palm Sunday, April 5:

9:00 a.m. Mass from the Saint Paul Seminary

7 p.m. Opening retreat conference – Archbishop Hebda

Holy Monday, April 6

9 a.m. Morning Prayer from the Pro Ecclesia Sancta Sisters – Followed by directed Lectio Divina on the Gospel of the Day, John 12:1-11

7 p.m. Retreat Conference – Father Charles Lachowitzer

Holy Tuesday, April 7

9 a.m. Morning Prayer from the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist, St. Agnes – Followed by directed Lectio Divina on the Gospel of the day, John 13

7 p.m. Retreat Conference – Father John Ubel

Spy Wednesday, April 8

9 a.m. Morning prayer from Carmelite Hermits of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Demontreville – Followed by directed Lectio Divina on the Gospel of the day, Mt 26:14-25

7 p.m. Retreat Conference – Bishop Cozzens

Holy Thursday, April 9

9 a.m. Morning prayer from St. Paul Seminary – directed Lectio Divina on John 13 – foot washing.

7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper Cathedral of St. Paul – Archbishop Hebda presiding

Good Friday, April 10

9 a.m. Morning Prayer – Cathedral of St. Paul – Followed by directed Lectio Divina on Passion

7 p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion – Cathedral of St. Paul – Bishop Cozzens presiding

Holy Saturday, April 11

9 a.m. Morning Prayer – Cathedral of St. Paul, directed Lectio Divina following – Holy Saturday reading.

8:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass – Cathedral of St. Paul – Archbishop Hebda presiding

Easter Sunday, April 12

9:30 a.m. – Easter Mass – Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis – Archbishop Hebda presiding.  Mass will be live streamed on the Basilica’s website and broadcast on 830am, WCCO.