Diocese of Greensburg plans virtual Holy Week, Easter services

The Diocese of Greensburg has announced Virtual Holy Week Services to help Catholics in Westmoreland, Armstrong, Indiana and Fayette counties celebrate Easter in their homes.

In a statement, Bishop Edward C. Malesic said parishioners should “use the Easter season to stay connected to our faith and be ready to help the world heal (from) the darkness of a global pandemic.”

Virtual Holy Week Services, which will stream on the diocese website, Facebook page and YouTube channel, include:

• Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, 9 a.m. April 5

• Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), 8 p.m. April 9

• Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday), 7 p.m. April 10

• Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, 10 a.m. April 12. The Easter Sunday Mass also will be broadcast at noon on WAOB FM 106.7.

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night on April 11 will be celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia, with details to be announced.

Among other resources to be made available online are:

• A special Holy Week edition of “The Catholic Accent” newspaper, with a guide to preparing and worshiping at home, daily prayers, how to make a spiritual communion and Easter traditions.

• Bishop Malesic’s reflections on the daily readings during Lent, posted Sundays on his own Facebook page and the diocese Facebook page.

• Blessing of Easter baskets, noon April 11.

Parishioners desiring alerts and reminders can text the word “Faith” to 724-305-3057. Further information is available at dioceseofgreensburg.org.