Before we journey to the Light of Easter, it’s necessary to experience the darkness that is our Lord’s Passion. And yes, we experience that at Palm Sunday Masses, but there is a way to go even deeper into the agony of the cross, and ready ourselves for the holiest week of the year.
For several years our Parish has held a Tenebrae service on Palm Sunday evening. This service begins in a fully lit Church, and journeys through scripture and lessons from the early church fathers, congregational participation and music to set the scene on Calvary, -all the way to a place that puts us at the Cross, in total darkness.
Many Catholic parishes conduct a Tenebrae service, the "traditional" day is Good Friday, but I think that having the service early in the week sets the mood and your mind in the right space for Holy week. Look around in your area for a Tenebrae service if you've never attended one, and give it a shot.
Join in the experience and emotion that is TENEBRAE