Good Friday reprises the passion and death of Jesus the Christ. The afternoon and approaching evening provide an appropriate mood for this solemn feast. The church is bare, tabernacle standing open, crucifix draped in red, the Eucharist removed to the side chapel repository. Celebrant and lay ministers approach the altar and prostrate themselves. There are scripture readings in addition to the special recitation of the passion by pastor, readers, and congregation. There is a homily for this somber day, and prayers prescribed by the church for our special intentions of this day. A large, rough hewn cross is carried in by our pastor in the place of Jesus. "Behold the wood of the cross, on which hung the savior of the world! Come, let us worship!" The bare cross is placed in the front of the church, priest, lay ministers, and parishioners approach reverently, drop nails symbolizing our sins in a metal container before the cross. The metallic "clink" resonates over the recitation of the "reproaches" and similarly solemn music.
       There is no mass today - that is the celebration of the risen Christ. Instead, previously consecrated hosts are brought in from the repository and communion distributed. At the conclusion, all leave in silence, mourning the death of our savior. The cruel symbols of cross and crown of thorns remain. The Blessed Sacrament is returned to the quiet beauty of the side chapel.