Holy Week Guidelines
The liturgy as prescribed for Holy Week and at all other times is the public worship of the whole Church and therefore must be respected. The liturgies for Holy Week are to follow the rubrics of the Church. These are outlined in any Sunday Missal.
None of the liturgies are to be done without me[sic] being informed beforehand of the details proposed. (to be informed immediately before the liturgy is not acceptable)
At all times the altar and area around it must be respected. Nothing is to be placed on the altar by anyone except the priest or acolytes.
Holy Week does not need a special theme and it is inappropriate to try to make some theme for this time.
Any introduction must be short (no more than 3 minutes)
Palm Sunday: The blessing of the palms will be the second form of the liturgy, that is the Solemn Entrance.
The Gospel of St Matthew will be proclaimed by three people, one is the priest who will proclaim the words of Christ. The text is to be taken from booklet supplied. There are to be no changes to the wordds.
Holy Thursday: Washing of the feet. The priest will wash the feet of several chosen people.
The liturgy calls for solemn exist[sic] and time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after the Mass.
Good Friday: The liturgy of Good Friday is divided into three parts: The Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.
The Gospel of St John will be proclaimed. The General Intercessions as prescribed in the liturgy follow the homily and then immediately after will be the Veneration of the Cross. Nothing is to be placed on the altar at any time except by the acolytes when the altar is set for Communion.
Easter Vigil: The Vigil will start outside with the blessing of the fire and Easter candle.
At least three readings from the Old Testament must be read (one of these must be Exodus 14:-15:1). New Testament readings are Romans 6:3-11 and Gospel of Luke 24:1-12. If there is to be an Ofertory Procession none of the gifts are to be placed on the altar.