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Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco and bishops from California, Hawaii and Nevada concelebrate Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica during their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican Jan. 27, 2020. (CNS photo/Stefano Dal Pozzolo)
March 27, 2020
Catholic San Francisco
In a March 24, 2020, letter to priests, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone addressed celebration of Holy Week liturgies -- Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, through Easter, April 12, 2020.
The archbishop developed the instruction after consultation with the deans, the vicar general and the vicars for clergy. The instruction, summarized below, is only for Holy Week 2020 and without an assembly in attendance.
-- The distribution of palms, usually a principal part of Palm Sunday, is to be delayed for Masses when the faithful are attending Mass again in the churches.
The chrism Mass, this year on Holy Thursday, will have sacramental oils blessed for use in the parishes throughout the year. The consecrated oils will be delivered to parishes by the dean of each deanery or his representative who will accept the oils following the chrism Mass.
-- Holy Thursday rites will not include the usual washing of the feet and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose.
-- The Good Friday liturgy will include a special intercession by Archbishop Cordileone “for a swift end to the coronavirus pandemic that afflicts our world.”
-- The Easter Vigil will not include the lighting and blessing of the fire, the preparation of the paschal candle or a procession. The candle will be lit in the sanctuary followed by the Exultet. Reception of sacraments of initiation, baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, has been moved to the “Vigil of Pentecost (May 30, 2020) if and to the extent circumstances at that time allow,” Archbishop Cordileone said.
Following are Holy Week liturgies to be livestreamed from St. Mary’s Cathedral. Remember these prayer opportunities are available only online. The faithful may not attend.
Palm Sunday Mass, April 5, 11 a.m.; chrism Mass, April 9, 2020, 10 a.m.; Holy Thursday Mass, April 9, 7:30 p.m.; Good Friday service, April 10, 3 p.m.; Easter Vigil, April 11, 9 p.m.; Easter Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m.
Visit youtube.com/archdioceseofsanfranciscosfarch.org or sfarch.org and click the YouTube icon at the top of the page.