5 Things to Know About the Liturgy for Good Friday

[Michie]

‘Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name.’ (Philippians 2:8-9)

The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in some respects looks like a traditional Mass with a rite (the veneration of the cross) added. It is not.

First of all, it is not a Mass because no consecration of the Holy Eucharist takes place within it. In keeping with ancient tradition, Good Friday is the one day of the year the Church does not celebrate Mass. The Eucharist distributed at Communion on Good Friday has been previously consecrated and reserved last night — Holy Thursday evening — at the altar of repose.

In comparing the appearance of the liturgy of Good Friday with the Mass, we can note:

• there is a very different (and abbreviated) entrance rite;
• the Liturgy of the Word has attached to it something like the Prayer of the Faithful (the prayers we make for various intentions after the Creed), although far more structured;
• there is a unique rite, the veneration of the cross;
• there is no Liturgy of the Eucharist, only a Communion Rite; and
• there is a short blessing but, again, no dismissal.

Let’s understand each element.

The Entrance​

Continued below.

5 Things to Know About the Liturgy for Good Friday

‘Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every other name.’ (Philippians 2:8-9)

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