Good Friday

We invite you to celebrate the following domestic liturgy, which allows us to participate from home in the commemoration of our Lord’s Crucifixion which we can ordinarily reflect on together in church. [For a printer-friendly version, click here.]

Good Friday

Prepare a sacred space in your home. Have a cross as a central focus. You may wish to have a lighted candle as well.

Sing together “Were you There”.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble…
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Listen to lector proclaiming the first Good Friday reading.

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Listen to Psalm 31. (When you click the link, the audio will download onto your computer).

Hear the 2nd recorded reading.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

Listen to Fr Dan’s homily.

Share together a feeling and /or thought that strikes you about the homily/Jesus’ crucifixion.

Play “O Lord We believe in You”. (Clicking the link will download the audio file onto your computer.)

Have someone read one of the Solemn Intercessions, followed by the parishioner reflection; another person reads the prayer. Continue through the list of 11 intercessions.

I. For Holy Church

Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God,
that our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace,
to guard her and to unite her throughout the whole world
and grant that, leading our life in tranquility and quiet,
we may glorify God the Father almighty.

Reflection:

For us to view the Church’s plea that God grant us protection and unity solely through the lens of our present vulnerability and imposed social distancing would be, I think, a missed opportunity. Don't get me wrong—I pray daily for the safety of healthcare workers and those whom they treat and for an end to this assault on our normal lives. But to use this Intercession as a request for deliverance lets us off the hook too easily.

If one looks dispassionately at this COVID-19 virus, it is a near perfect creature. It stays in its lane; it does what it was “created” to do with ruthless efficiency: use the resources provided by its “host” to self-replicate. It's not the fault of the virus that by doing what's in its nature, it is posing a grave risk to humankind.

The real threat to God's Holy Church living in peace and unity, spreading the Good News throughout the world, and glorifying God is...us. Specifically, not doing what we were created to do, accepting our role as creatures—God’s most-favored creatures, but creatures nonetheless. We are told that in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve grasped at something beyond what humans were made for: knowing as God knows and, therefore, trying to make themselves God. And this has been our self-inflicted wound throughout history.

God has never made a secret of what our nature as creatures is. In articulating the Covenant with Abraham, God laid things out very succinctly: “You will be my people, and I will be your God.” Like COVID-19, we are called to stay in our lane, to not reach out to grasp things that are beyond us, to persevere with steadfast faith, to glorify God as our Creator and Lord of All. This Intercession is more than a request, then; it’s an aspiration—one we can only attain with and through the grace of God. John Bookstaver

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
who in Christ revealed your glory to all the nations,
watch over the works of your mercy,
that your Church, spread throughout all the world,
may persevere with steadfast faith in confessing your name.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

II. For the Pope

Let us pray also for our most Holy Father Pope Francis,
that our God and Lord,
who chose him for the Order of Bishops,
may keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord's holy Church,
to govern the holy People of God.

Reflection:

In a time of such turbulence as we face, the prayer that the Holy Father might ‘help us grow in faith’ takes on greater meaning. As he reflected two weeks ago on the weakness of our faith, Pope Francis embodied the call that we live in solidarity and hope, ‘capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours’. We pray for him, a beacon of hope and mercy, who in this time of isolation, reminds us anew of the Lord who binds us into one flock. We pray for him for we need shepherds after God’s own merciful heart. Ron Mercier, SJ

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
by whose decree all things are founded,
look with favor on our prayers
and in your kindness protect the Pope chosen for us,
that, under him, the Christian people,
governed by you their maker,
may grow in merit by reason of their faith.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

III. For all orders and degrees of the faithful

Let us pray also for our Bishop Robert,
for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of the Church
and for the whole of the faithful people.

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the unlimited love of Jesus in his passion and death. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and became the source of salvation for all. Jesus was obedient unto death and his death revealed the depth of His love. Jesus’ total self-giving to the end transformed all of history and humanity. Jesus Christ is the exalted example of God’s love for each of us.

Each of us, in our own unique way, have been graced and gifted to follow this example of Jesus. Each of us are called to follow his example of obedience and selfless love. May we remain faithful to the end in living out our particular vocations, in fulfilling our individual ministries, and in generously offering our labor and service to give witness to the divine love made evident today by Jesus on the cross. Deacon Jim Griffard

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is sanctified and governed,
hear our humble prayer for your ministers,
that, by the gift of your grace,
all may serve you faithfully.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

IV. For catechumens

Let us pray also for all catechumens,
that our God and Lord
may open wide the ears of their inmost hearts
and unlock the gates of his mercy,
that, having received forgiveness of all their sins
through the waters of rebirth,
they, too, may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection:

Within our church community Lauren Crocker has attended RCIA classes in response to an invitation from God to deepen her faith life through the sacraments of the Catholic Church. She has listened to the history of the church, prayed with the scriptures, and pondered the questions in her own heart. She has said yes now to be washed anew by the waters of baptism and to enter more fully into one with Christ. Lauren has looked forward to this moment-only to realize that due to the coronovirus- she will not be able to experience this sacrament on Holy Saturday. I feel it is important that we as church support her in this time of disappointment and trust with our prayers and love – that in God's time all shall be well for her, all catechumens, and all of us.

Carol Joselyn

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
who make your Church ever fruitful with new offspring,
increase the faith and understanding of (our) catechumens,
that, reborn in the font of Baptism,
they may be added to the number of your adopted children.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

V. For the unity of Christians

Let us pray also for all our brothers and sisters who believe in Christ,
that our God and Lord may be pleased, as they live the truth,
to gather them together and keep them in his one Church.

Reflection:

During his lifetime, Jesus the Nazarene experienced a divided Judaism. When he prayed “that they may all be one” (John 17:21), this was likely inspired by the particular. We can imagine the experiences that led Jesus to this prayer, as we join together in praying for Christian unity. Jesus saw daily examples of how differences in beliefs and practices separated families and friends from praying together, celebrating together, mourning together. This past December, our family joyfully celebrated the marriage of my niece Teresa, whose Catholicism is central to her person, to Dylan, whose active faith and participation in a Reformation tradition is just as vital to him. For all of our Teresas and Dylans, along with countless but not nameless others with whom we pray “Our Father”, we invite the Holy Spirit to make us one. Ann Steffen

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
who gather what is scattered
and keep together what you have gathered,
look kindly on the flock of your Son,
that those whom one Baptism has consecrated
may be joined together by integrity of faith
and united in the bond of charity.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

VI. For the Jewish people

Let us pray also for the Jewish people,
to whom the Lord our God spoke first,
that he may grant them to advance in love of his name
and in faithfulness to his covenant.

Reflection:

The Jewish People are the family of Jesus. We Christians (Goyim or Gentiles) have been saved by a Savior who is Jewish. By association then, we Christians are spiritually semites, for we draw our identity from Christ Jesus and the Jewish people. While standing firm in the fulness we find in Christ Jesus, his passion, death, and resurrection, we can join with our Jewish brothers and sisters in their mission to "heal the world." Our past history is full of abuse; we might call our relationship "a troubled brother/sisterhood." Yet in our own time, it is now possible to give a united witness. Together we can give witness to mutual respect, human dignity, and a sincere compassionate concern. Together we can give the world hope for healing and unity.

Carla Mae Streeter, OP

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
who bestowed your promises on Abraham and his descendants,
graciously hear the prayers of your Church,
that the people you first made your own
may attain the fullness of redemption.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

VII. For those who do not believe in Christ

Let us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ,
that, enlightened by the Holy Spirit,
they, too, may enter on the way of salvation.

Reflection:

Many people who believe in God understand God to be distant and non-relational. They relate with God through obeying laws, through surrendering their lives to God, through silence or other practices.

Jesus came to introduce us to a God who cares for us individually and gives us God’s own Spirit to live within us. We pray for all who do not know God in a personal way so they may come to know that they are beloved children of the Father. We also pray for one another that the witness of our lives may lead others to an experience of Christ. Joseph Milner

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
grant to those who do not confess Christ
that, by walking before you with a sincere heart,
they may find the truth
and that we ourselves, being constant in mutual love
and striving to understand more fully the mystery of your life,
may be made more perfect witnesses to your love in the world.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

VIII. For those who do not believe in God

Let us pray also for those who do not acknowledge God,
that, following what is right in sincerity of heart,
they may find the way to God himself.

Reflection:

Christians in our very earliest history were called atheists because we refused to worship the gods of the Roman empire. This history can help us feel kinship with our brothers and sisters who do not believe in God. Those who came before us in the faith were persecuted because they chose to follow the Prince of Peace in a culture dedicated to conquest, and a Suffering Servant when power and privilege held sway. Let us work alongside all who labor for the common good. Let us engage in more dialogue than debate. And let us listen when the Spirit seeks to deepen our understanding of who God truly is, because we cannot encourage others to follow the Lord if we ourselves are straying from the path. Angela Pancella

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
who created all people
to seek you always by desiring you
and, by finding you, come to rest,
grant, we pray,
that, despite every harmful obstacle,
all may recognize the signs of your fatherly love
and the witness of the good works
done by those who believe in you,
and so in gladness confess you,
the one true God and Father of our human race.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

IX. For those in public office

Let us pray also for those in public office,
that our God and Lord
may direct their minds and hearts according to his will
for the true peace and freedom of all.

Reflection:

Now more than ever, we depend upon our leaders, on the international, national, and local levels, to safeguard the well-being of all peoples in their communities, regardless of age, race, gender, class, or religious commitment, especially the most vulnerable among us. May all individuals in positions of authority be mindful of their principal duty to ensure the commonweal of their communities. This is a time to set aside political ideologies and listen to the acknowledged experts so we can develop effective remedies and policies for the existential threat facing us. May God guide our public authorities to work for the health and welfare of God’s beloved. Colleen McCluskey

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
in whose hand lies every human heart
and the rights of peoples,
look with favor, we pray,
on those who govern with authority over us,
that throughout the whole world,
the prosperity of peoples,
the assurance of peace,
and freedom of religion
may through your gift be made secure.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

X. For those in tribulation

Let us pray, dearly beloved,
to God the Father almighty,
that he may cleanse the world of all errors,
banish disease, drive out hunger,
unlock prisons, loosen fetters,
granting to travelers safety, to pilgrims return,
health to the sick, and salvation to the dying.

Reflection:

“Tribulations” mean trouble—struggle, loss, trauma. Burdens people face, obvious or invisible to others. Tribulations—our own or others’-- try our patience, test our faith, challenge compassion, isolate and alienate. Realities overwhelm: life is hard. The world is a broken mess. We can’t “fix” many problems. Tribulations are inconvenient. When sirens “interrupt” Mass at College Church, do we sense noise or need?

Unexplainable tribulations reduce to clichés. “This too shall pass.” “ God’s will.” Tribulations can suggest weakness, failings, faults, or stereotypes. Or we can just choose to ignore others and their problems. “Compassion fatigue” becomes indifference. Cynicism begets judgment. Mercy falls to condemnation. Justice is overruled by “life is unfair.”

Then there’s this cliché : “ Cross to bear.” But the Cross represents the real trial we enter into during Holy Week, so that we can celebrate and live the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection. As we rejoice, we resolve to bring hope to a broken world. We carry tribulations on the journey that is sustained by prayer, and we walk with those who struggle. Victoria Carlson-Casaregola

Let us pray:

Almighty ever-living God,
comfort of mourners, strength of all who toil,
may the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation
come before you,
that all may rejoice,
because in their hour of need
your mercy was at hand.
Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

XI. For an end to the pandemic

Let us pray, dearly beloved,
for a swift end to the coronavirus pandemic that afflicts our world,
that our God and Father will heal the sick,
strengthen those who care for them,
and help us all to persevere in faith.

Reflection:

We pray to our loving and trusting God during this coronavirus pandemic. We face an ever- changing invisible virus, which in fear can weaken our immune system.

We struggle daily to know all the right ways to cope, while protecting ourselves, our world and each other. We offer ourselves in distance with compassion, hope and belief in one another.

It is our benevolent God, who suffers with us in this crisis. It is our faith that provides us the invitation to trust instead of fear, to be instruments of peace instead of panic, and to love one another. Robert Pozzi

Let us pray:

Almighty and merciful God, source of all life, health and healing,
look with compassion on our world,
brought low by disease;
protect us in the midst of the grave challenges that assail us
and in your providence grant recovery to the stricken,
strength to those who care for them,
and success to those working to eradicate this scourge.
Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Venerate the cross for a few moments of silence as “What Wondrous Love” plays:

What Wondrous Love

Tell Jesus what it means to you that he loved you enough to suffer in this way for you and all of us.

Closing Prayer:

O God, your love is made clearly visible to us through the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus. You reconcile us to you through the blood of his cross. Transform us into people of mercy who love and embrace the suffering ones in our midst.

We make our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By his wounds we are healed. Amen.

By his passion, we are freed from sin. Amen.

By his dying and rising, we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Seven Last Words

A beautiful tradition for Good Friday is meditation on the Seven Last Words of Christ spoken from the Cross. College Church parishioners and clergy have done a series of reflections on these words, which you can find at this link.

Youth Group Stations of the Cross

Joanna Boyd-White has assembled a template for meditation on College Church’s Stations of the Cross, and is inviting members of College Church’s Youth Group to respond creatively with playlists or other reflections. If you’d like to try this idea out for yourself, you can find the template here.

You can email Joanna for a downloadable copy.

Joanna’s example playlist can be found here.