mass

A Tenebrae service is a solemn and reflective Christian observance traditionally held during Holy Week, often on “Spy Wednesday,” the day Judas and his collaborators spied on Jesus to find a time to betray Him.
The word Tenebrae means “darkness” or “sorrow,” symbolizing the deep sorrow and mourning surrounding Christ’s passion and death. The atmosphere is quiet, reverent, and meditative, often accompanied by choral music, scripture readings and moments of silence.

The service is marked by the gradual extinguishing of candles, one by one, after readings or psalms that recount the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. As each light fades, the sanctuary grows darker, representing the world’s descent into grief and the apparent triumph of evil as Christ is laid in the tomb. The final candle, known as the Christ candle, is hidden—signifying His death, and the congregation sits in silence for a few moments.
It’s a chance to go really deep into why Christ died for our sins, and to understand what the world would be without Him. Then, the strepitus (loud noise): it’s designed to represent the earthquake, the rendering of the earth at Christ’s death. It is a dramatic part of this liturgy in the darkness that’s meant to jolt worshippers, physically and emotionally.
The final candle is then returned to its place, and the congregation leaves the church in silence.

Join us Wednesday April, 1st at 8:00 PM