Theology

Holy Week

The most sacred week in the Church calendar, beginning the Monday before Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday

The prelude to Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Abstain from meat

A form of sacrifice and penance observed during Holy Week.

Easter Triduum

The three-day period leading up to the Resurrection, ending on Holy Saturday or Easter Vigil.

The Last Supper

The last meal shared by Jesus with his disciples before his crucifixion.

Mass

A reenactment of the Last Supper, where bread and wine are offered as the Body and Blood of Christ.

Foot washing

Jesus washed his disciples' feet to demonstrate service and humility.

Betrayal and denial

Jesus foretold that one apostle would deny him three times and another would betray him.

Garden of Gethsemane

The location where Jesus prayed before his arrest; situated on the Mount of Olives.

Judas' kiss

The act of Judas identifying Jesus to the soldiers by kissing him on the cheek.

Peter's battle

Peter cut off the ear of a centurion, which Jesus later healed.

Good Friday

The day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jewish Leadership

Included the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the High Priest, Caiaphas.

Blasphemy

The charge against Jesus by the Jewish leadership.

Pontius Pilate

The Roman procurator who presided over Jesus' trial.

Herod The Great

The king of Judea to whom Jesus was sent before being returned to Pilate.

Scourging

The act of whipping Jesus, commanded by Pilate.

Barabbas

A notorious criminal released by the crowd instead of Jesus.

Crucifixion

The execution method by which Jesus was nailed to the cross and died.

Golgotha

Otherwise known as the Place of the Skull or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.

Simon of Cyrene

A stranger called to help Jesus carry his cross.

Moses

An Old Testament figure who, like Jesus, delivered people from bondage.

Isaac

Abraham's son, symbolizing sacrifice in relation to Jesus' crucifixion.

Final words of Jesus

The five statements made by Jesus while on the cross.

Opening the gates of heaven

Jesus' act of freeing souls in hell before his resurrection.

Mary Magdalene

One of the women who visited Jesus' grave after his resurrection.

Service of Light

The initial part of the Easter Vigil representing Jesus as the light of the world.

Liturgy of the Word

The second part of the Easter Vigil Mass.

Liturgy of Baptism

The part of the Easter Vigil where new members are baptized.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The concluding part of the Easter Vigil, celebrating the Eucharist.