Holy Week celebrations at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and the traditional "Praying the Steps" event will be guided this year by the newly appointed Archbishop Robert G. Casey. Holy Thursday, observed on April 17, will see the Mass of the Lord’s Supper led by Archbishop Casey at 5:00 PM.

On Good Friday, April 18, the significant day marking the crucifixion of Jesus, Catholics will participate in fasting and abstain from meat. The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion is scheduled at 12:00 PM. A longstanding tradition, the "Pray the Steps" event invites thousands to ascend the steps leading to Holy Cross-Immaculata Church in Mount Adams. Attendees will gather at 11:30 PM on April 17, and Archbishop Casey will bless the steps as the first pilgrims begin their ascent.

Good Friday services will also occur at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church, at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Confessions will be available throughout the day.

On Holy Saturday, April 19, the Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral Basilica will commence at 8:45 PM, marking the Resurrection of Jesus and welcoming new members into the Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Easter Sunday mass is scheduled for 10:00 AM.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, a large diocese in the United States, has nearly 440,000 Catholics and a significant Catholic school system with over 40,000 students. The diocese covers a 19-county area with 199 parishes and 108 schools.

Jennifer Schack, Director of Media Relations, is the contact for more information at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.