Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates his institution of the priesthood, and the faithful service that is to be carried out by all his followers.

The Last Supper of Jesus

Jesus celebrated the dinner as a traditional Jewish Passover feast. Christ would fulfill his role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by his final sacrifice of his life on the Cross. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. During the meal, Jesus predicted his betrayal.

The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass, “The Mass of The Lord’s Supper.” This event is celebrated at every Mass, as the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.

Holy Thursday Hours of Operation

Grounds: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Gift Shop: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Priest Office inside Visitor Center

Mass of the Lord's Supper

7 p.m.

Chapel of Mary

Almighty God, in your greatness you humble yourself to show us what love really means. Help us learn from you in our humble service to one another. Do not let pride win over us but let your Spirit work with and in us that we become your witnesses in spreading and sharing your love in all our words and deeds. For you live and reign forever and ever.

Amen.

Holy Week Schedule

Good Friday, March 29

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), Priest Office

1 p.m.: Seven Last Words (Reflection & Prayer), Chapel of Mary

3 p.m.: The Passion of the Lord – Liturgy of the Lord and Veneration of the Cross, Chapel of Mary

Holy Saturday, March 30

10 a.m.-12 noon: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), Priest Office

8:30 p.m.: Easter Vigil Mass, Begins in Plaza outside Chapel of Mary; Blessing of Fire and Preparation of Candle and Procession into Chapel.

Easter Sunday, March 31

6:30 a.m.: Jesus Meets His Mother (Encuentro/Salubong) Easter Procession, The Grotto Plaza

7:30 a.m.: Recitation of the Rosary, Chapel of Mary

8 a.m.: Mass, Chapel of Mary

9:30 a.m.: Recitation of the Rosary, Chapel of Mary

10: a.m.: Mass, Chapel of Mary

11:30 a.m.: Recitation of the Rosary, Chapel of Mary

12 noon: Mass, Chapel of Mary

Service to others ... reflecting the Gospel

The humble gesture of self-giving service exemplifies the whole of Jesus’ ministry and teachings - and in a small way prepares the hearts of the disciples for the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Humble service is at the heart of the Servite life. Mary’s faithfulness all the way to the cross challenges each of us to humbly follow where the Lord Jesus leads, and to give fully of ourselves ... give our time, our compassion, our skills and abilities, to serve indiscriminately all those around us.

The Grotto has dedicated the first part of it 2024 Centennial celebration to "Service to Others".

Thank you to everyone who donated blood, coats or food in our service drives this year.

TOMORROW - RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Good Friday, March 29

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Grotto Conference Center

Click to register at any of our blood drives.

Mass, Lunch & Learn

Join us every month for this special series. Gather in the Auditorium (directly under the Chapel of Mary) immediately after the noon Mass for lunch and a featured speaker discussing a new topic each month. Lunch will be provided. Attendance limited to 15 people, sign up required.

Tuesday, April 9 – Brian Martinek, Executive Director of Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center.

NWRRC supports and educates individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system back into their communities. They provide life skills and provide structure and supervision while ensuring positive change for their residents. Brian is a former Chief of Police for Vancouver and a retired Assistant Chief of the Portland Police Bureau. 

Sign up to attend: Mass, Lunch & Learn

Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. - Extended Hours Today

The Grotto Gift Shop has a wide variety of items for Easter, as well as books, cards, Rosaries, jewelry, home accessories, statuary, yummy treats and much more.