Archdiocese of Newark announces Holy Week schedule for 2026

The Archdiocese of Newark announced on March 3 the schedule for Holy Week services in 2026, with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin presiding over key liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

Holy Week is considered the most sacred time of year for Catholics and other Christians, beginning with Palm Sunday on March 29 and culminating in Easter Sunday on April 5. The Archdiocese will hold a series of liturgies including Palm Sunday Mass, Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday services.

Cardinal Tobin will lead the Palm Sunday Mass at 12:30 p.m., commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The Chrism Mass will take place on March 30 at 8 p.m., where priests from across the Archdiocese will renew their vows and receive blessed oils for use in sacraments throughout the year. On Holy Thursday, April 2, Cardinal Tobin will preside over a bilingual Mass at 7:30 p.m., which includes the traditional washing of feet. Good Friday observances include an English liturgy at 3 p.m., a Spanish service at 5 p.m., and a choral Stations of the Cross at 8 p.m. The Easter Vigil will be celebrated bilingually on April 4 at 8:30 p.m., welcoming new members into the Catholic Church through baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation. Easter Sunday Mass in Spanish is scheduled for April 5 at 10 a.m.

All Holy Week liturgies will be livestreamed on the Cathedral Basilica’s YouTube channel. More information can be found at newarkbasilica.org/holyweekspanish.

The Archdiocese of Newark engages in social outreach and community events across northern New Jersey according to its official website. It aims to serve as witnesses of Christ by providing pastoral care and ministries according to its official website. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin serves as Archbishop of Newark according to its official website.

The Archdiocese extends its pastoral efforts across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties according to its official website. It also partners in global Church initiatives such as the Synod on Synodality and World Mission Sunday collections according to its official website. Services offered include parish support, faith formation programs, social outreach activities, and community events according to its official website.