Preparing the Altar of Repose for Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day summit of the liturgical year (evening of Holy Thursday to evening of Easter Sunday) that celebrates Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

The evening (the Mass of the Lord's Supper) commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood, and the washing of feet.

At St Michael's as in Catholic Churches everywhere, we take great care in preparing the Altar of Repose - the temporary dwelling place for out Lord, while we leave the Tabernacle open and empty from the conclusion of the Holy Thursday liturgy until the Easter Vigil Mass.

The Altar of Repose is where the consecrated Hosts from the Mass are reserved for Good Friday, as no Mass is celebrated on that day.