The word “liturgy,” originally meant “public work” that was done on behalf of the people. This makes it different from private prayer. For Catholics, our liturgy is primarily the work of Jesus, which takes place in a preeminent way in the Holy Mass. In the Catechism we read, “The Church celebrates in the liturgy above all the Paschal mystery by which Christ accomplished the work of our salvation” and that “in the New Testament the word ‘liturgy’ refers not only to the celebration of divine worship but also to the proclamation of the Gospel and to active charity.”
At The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the liturgies share a particular place in the Church because it is the “spiritual home” of Archbishop Vigneron, who is the head and shepherd of the entire Archdiocese of Detroit.
In these days the COVID-19 emergency has dramatically changed our routines for worship and carry out even the simplest day-to-day activities and it is dramatically apparent here at the Cathedral. Yet the Liturgy of the Church does not stop when the Faithful are unable to attend. The worship continues through the bishops and priests who remain united with the Faithful. Each of us is united in a practical way by keeping the Lord’s Day holy and watching the Mass live streamed from the Cathedral on CTND television or on the Internet at www.aod.org/livemasses. When families gather together for prayer—especially the prayers of the Rosary, Sacred Scripture and spiritual readings—they are united in what could be called “home worship” just as the early Christians did.
During this Covid-19 Emergency, the Liturgical Events at The Cathedral this week are as follows:
- Chrism Mass: Will be celebrated privately (not open to the faithful or the public) and livestreamed from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Monday of Holy Week – April 6th at 7 PM.
Triduum Liturgies with Archbishop Vigneron will be livestreamed from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament as follows:
- Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Mass will be livestreamed from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 7:00 PM on Thursday April 9th.
- Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion: This liturgy will be livestreamed from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 1:00 PM on Friday April 10th.
- Easter Vigil: Note: Administering the Sacraments of Initiation to those in RCIA has been postponed until a later date when the fuller community can be present. A simplified Easter Vigil Mass will be livestreamed from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 9:00 PM on Saturday April 11th.
Catechumens and Candidates for Full Communion have been a part of the RCIA process for many months and are supported by the RCIA team and parish. Part of our Easter joy is the parish seeing and celebrating their entrance into the Church. (Postponed)
- Easter Sunday Liturgies will also be offered in private. Please watch the Mass livestreamed from The Cathedral of The Most Blessed Sacrament at 11:00 AM on Sunday April 12th.
Let us continue to recite the Memorare each day, as Archbishop Vigneron has asked, and ask Our Blessed Mother to intercede for us for a quick end to this pandemic that is causing much suffering and sorrow. But let us also be drawn all the closer to Jesus by His grace and mercy in these days of trial, so that when we return to our public worship, it is with profound rejoicing and thanksgiving to God.
Stay Healthy & Safe. God Bless,
Anna Romano