The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum – from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Join Bishop Felipe Estévez and other members of the faithful of the diocese this year in participating in the week leading up to Easter.

On March 28 at 11 a.m., Bishop Felipe Estévez celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, followed by the Blessing of the Fleet, a historical ceremony dating back to the city of St. Augustine’s earliest days of Spanish colonial occupation. On this day, all vessels, whether commercial or personal, are invited to receive a blessing from the bishop. The Blessing of the Fleet will begin at noon at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and process to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina.

Later that day at 1 p.m., the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche will host a Palm Sunday Mass at their Outdoor Worship Area. Be sure to bring your own chair! Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ victorious entry to Jerusalem after spending 40 days and 40 nights in the desert.

The following week, Bishop Estévez will host a Good Friday Service at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville on April 2 at 4 p.m. to commemorate Christ’s crucifixion and death at Calvary.

The bishop will celebrate Easter Vigil Mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville on April 3 at 8 p.m., where both adult and catechumens will be received into full communion of the Catholic church. This year, the Diocese of St. Augustine will welcome a total of 389 new Catholics into the church.

Finally, Bishop Estévez will celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at 9 a.m. on April 4 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.

If you’re looking for a way to continue the Easter celebration with friends and family, join Marywood Retreat and Conference Center in St. Johns for an Easter Breakfast immediately following the annual sunrise Easter service. From 7 to 9 a.m., enjoy food and fellowship at Marywood’s Kelly Center. Adults are admitted for $15 each and children for $8 each. Call Ansley at (904) 436-6591 to make reservations.

Contact your parish to find more ways to participate in Holy Week.