Holy Week & Easter 2026 at Saint Clement Parish | Chicago Catholic Church

• Regular weekend Mass schedule (plus an additional Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass in the chapel)
• Palms distributed at all Masses. 
• Processional starting in the courtyard at the following Masses: 11:15 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. 

Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of our journey through Holy Week. We gather outside for the blessing of palms and reenact the Lord's triumphal procession into Jerusalem while singing strains of Hosanna to the Son of David. Gone is the penitential violet of Lent, and we're struck by liturgical red, signifying the blood of Jesus and martyrdom. As we enter the church, the tone shifts and we hear the reading of the Passion, recounting the final hours of Jesus’ life. At Saint Clement, we end the Palm Sunday Mass in silence, preparing our hearts for the solemnity of the week ahead.

• Holy Week Reconciliation Service - following 6:00 p.m. Mass until 8:30 p.m. 

Come experience God’s mercy and peace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) as you prepare your heart for Easter.

• Tenebrae - 7:00 p.m.* 
Note, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during this service.
*also livestreamed

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Tenebrae dates back to the 13th century. This ancient rite uses the gradual extinguishing of candles, evocative Scripture readings, and stirring choral music to draw us into the shadow of sorrow that preceded the Cross. Led by our Saint Clement Choir, the Tenebrae service not only reflects on the approaching darkness but also prepares our hearts for the light to come.

• Mass of the Lord's Supper - 7:00 p.m.*
• Prayer Services - 9:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m.  
(Church is open until midnight for prayer) 

*also livestreamed

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On Holy Thursday at 7:00 p.m., we gather for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper—a liturgy steeped in rich tradition and deep theological significance. On this sacred night, we recall how, at the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, offering His Body and Blood as the source of eternal life. It is also the night when He conferred the sacrament of Holy Orders upon His Apostles, entrusting them with the mission to shepherd His flock—a legacy that endures in our Church today. Additionally, the ritual of the washing of the feet powerfully reminds us of Christ’s call to serve with humility and love.

• Morning Prayer Service - 9:00 a.m. 
• Stations of the Cross - 12:15 p.m. 
• Liturgy of the Lord's Passion - 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.* 

*also livestreamed

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Good Friday, the most solemn day of our liturgical year, is observed without the celebration of Mass so that our focus remains solely on the mystery of the Cross. At 12:15 p.m., we meditate on the Stations of the Cross—a devotion with roots that trace back to the early pilgrimages to the Holy Land in the fourth century. Over the centuries, this practice evolved into the series of 14 reflective stations we honor today, inviting us to retrace Christ’s steps to Calvary. Later in the day, during the Service of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m., our priests prostrate themselves—a profound gesture of humility and solidarity with Christ’s own submission. In these moments, we join our hearts in remembering the ultimate sacrifice made for our salvation.

• Morning Prayer Service - 9:00 a.m. 
• Easter Basket Blessing - Noon 
• Easter Vigil - 8:00 p.m. (further description in next listing)

Join us for the beautiful tradition of the Easter Basket Blessing, a centuries-old Catholic custom with roots in Polish culture, celebrated on Holy Saturday. Families are invited to bring baskets filled with foods to be shared in their Easter meal. 

Traditionally, certain items are typically included, each one carrying symbolic meaning: eggs (new life), bread (Jesus, the Bread of Life), meat (the joy of the feast after Lent), salt (purity and preservation), butter (often shaped as a lamb, symbolizing Christ), horseradish (the bitterness of the Passion), and sweets (the joy of the Resurrection).

During the blessing, Fr. Radley will pray over the baskets, asking God to bless this food and those who share it. All are welcome—whether this is your first time or a cherished tradition. Join us on Holy Saturday at Noon in the plaza!

• Morning Prayer Service - 9:00 a.m. 
• Easter Basket Blessing - Noon  (further description in previous listing)
• Easter Vigil - 8:00 p.m.*

*also livestreamed

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As Holy Saturday unfolds, our community also gathers at 12:00 p.m. for the blessing of the Easter Baskets—a cherished tradition that sanctifies the abundance of our shared table.

Then, as darkness gives way to dawn, we arrive at the Easter Vigil, the most significant celebration of the year. Beginning with the lighting of a new fire—a symbol of Christ’s light breaking through the darkness—the vigil ushers in the radiant hope of Resurrection. In a moment of overwhelming joy, we will welcome 75 new members into our Church, affirming that the promise of new life is ever alive among us. Please note that the additional sacraments will extend the length of the Mass.

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Happy Easter! The Resurrected Christ restores us in hope, calls us to communion, and empowers us in our mission. We are overjoyed to invite you to join our community in prayer on Easter Sunday!

• 8:00 a.m. Mass - Church 
• 9:30 a.m. Mass - Church, Chapel, & School 
• 11:15 a.m. Mass - Church*, Chapel, & School 
• 4:30 p.m. Mass - Church 

*also livestreamed

PLEASE NOTE:
Mass in the School will be celebrated in our Family Mass style (shorter readings, a homily geared toward young children, and space for little ones to move around).

15 minutes prior to the Easter Sunday Mass time, parishioners and guests will be directed to either the Chapel or the School, as we anticipate the Church being full.

We encourage walking, carpooling, or public transit on Easter Sunday, as the parking lot will be full. We also offer parking validation for the garage located across from Lincoln Commons at 2316 N. Lincoln/SP Parking. Learn more here.

We look forward to celebrating this joyous day with you!