The Lenten season is a time for reflection and taking stock as we prepare for Easter. It invites us to recall and renew our baptismal commitment, for at the heart of Lent is the waters of baptism. This emphasis on baptism may, at first, seem strange and new to those of us who traditionally associate Lent with penance and giving things up but a look at the origins of Lent explains why it is so.

The Easter Triduum is the most important celebration in the church year. The word triduum means ‘a space of three days’ and during these days - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday - we celebrate, as a community, the central mystery of our faith.  As a Christian community we are invited to celebrate the three main liturgies, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the celebration of the Lord’s Passion and the Easter Vigil, as one great liturgy taking place over three days and in three parts. The three liturgies together tell the whole story.