Holy Week
What is Holy Week?
Lent is coming to an end and we are about to enter the most sacred time of the year. Holy Week commences on Palm Sunday, which recalls Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem.  During Holy Week, Catholics commemorate the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Thursday), the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus (Good Friday), and His burial in the tomb (Holy Saturday).
How do Catholics celebrate Holy Week? Â
 Palm Sunday commences with the procession of the blessed palms into the Church. A notable feature of the service is the reading of the Gospel of the Passion of Christ by three readers. The palms blessed at the Mass are later burnt and used to mark our foreheads on Ash Wednesday the following year.
Holy Thursday: We re-enact the Lord’s Last Supper which He shared with His apostles on the night He was betrayed and arrested. This is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the Church’s year as it recalls the institution of the Eucharist.
During the Mass, the priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners, just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. Priests all over the world also renew their sacred vows
Good Friday: During the 3.00 pm service, the faithful go forward to venerate the Cross. This gesture demonstrates our honour and respect for the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It is the most solemn day of the year for Catholics as it recalls Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion.
Holy Saturday: The Vigil Mass commences at sundown outside the Church where the Easter Fire is lit, and the Paschal candle is blessed.
During this night, we keep watch for the expectant rising of our Saviour. This is the Holiest of nights. After the Liturgy of the Word, the baptismal font is blessed and those who have prepared to be received into the Church, are baptised and confirmed. This is a very joyous occasion. At the conclusion of the Mass, we wish each other a Holy and Blessed Easter!
 May this Holy Week be a time when we deepen our relationship with Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Continuing the Journey: Carol Beins Upholds Her Daughter’s Legacy
This year, Carol Beins follows her daughter Shoshanna’s footsteps, journeying the same path as the former Religious Education teacher.
Exploring the Artistic Universe of Isabelle de Kleine (2011)
From childhood, Isabelle de Kleine’s talent flourished, guided by the supportive Art department into the renowned artist she is today.
What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten
As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.
- Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
