For Immediate Release: March 31, 2020
BISHOP BARRY C. KNESTOUT TO CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK LITURGIES BY LIVESTREAM FROM THE CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART IN RICHMOND
RICHMOND, Va. – As he has done since public Masses were temporarily suspended in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Bishop Barry C. Knestout will celebrate Holy Week and broadcast the liturgies through livestream for the faithful. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is not open to the public for these celebrations due to the public health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of public Masses remains in place througout the diocese until further notice. As a result, parishes across the diocese will livestream Holy Week liturgies so their parishioners can virtually take part in these celebrations.
Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Catholic faith as it marks the passage of Christ from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem through his passion, death and resurrection. It concludes the season of Lent and culminates with the celebration of Easter which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“This is personally distressing not to have the members of our faithful present and physically able to participate with us in this most sacred time,” said Bishop Knestout. “We must work to protect the safety and well-being of all and yet do all we can for our faithful to remain spiritually connected to God and the Church in these uncertain times. During this period of isolation, it is faith that enlightens us and gives life meaning, even when accompanied by suffering. My hope in offering this livestream – while we’d prefer our parishioners gather together with us in the Church – is that it provides that hope and connection to remain in spiritual communion with us until we can one day joyfully share the Mass and sacraments together again.”
All of the services listed below will be streamed live at https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream and on the diocesan Facebook page.*
LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE:
Palm Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.
The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding
Chrism Mass, moved to July 11, 2020
Holy Thursday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Bishop Knestout presiding
Good Friday, April 10, 3:00 p.m.
The Passion of the Lord, Bishop Knestout presiding
Holy Saturday, April 11, 8:00 p.m.
The Easter Vigil, Bishop Knestout presiding
Easter Sunday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.
Easter Mass, Bishop Knestout presiding
*Please note: The digital platforms could be subject to change for any reason, so please continually check with the diocesan website for the most up-to-date information regarding the livestream.