What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the solemn commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is part of the Sacred Triduum — the three holiest days of the Church year. Good Friday is one of only two days in the liturgical year when Mass is not celebrated (the other is Holy Saturday). Instead, the Church holds a special Celebration of the Lord's Passion, consisting of three parts: (1) The Liturgy of the Word, including the reading of the entire Passion narrative from the Gospel of John. (2) The Veneration of the Cross, where the faithful approach and kiss or reverence a crucifix. (3) Holy Communion, distributed from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. Good Friday is a day of obligatory fasting (one full meal and two smaller meals for ages 18-59) and abstinence from meat (for ages 14+). Many parishes also pray the Stations of the Cross at 3:00 PM, the traditional hour of Christ's death. The altar is stripped bare, holy water fonts are emptied, and the tabernacle stands open and empty.