Good Friday Gospel of St. John, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion

Name: Good Friday Gospel of St. John, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion
Start: 2026-04-03T17:30:00-05:00
Location: 1919 54th Street, Kenosha, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53140

Schedule

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026 at 05:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

1919 54th Street, Kenosha, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53140 | Kenosha, WI

Good Friday Service-Gospel of St. John, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion
The Good Friday Gospel of St. John, also known as the Passion of Jesus Christ, is a significant part of the Catholic liturgical calendar. It recounts the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, including the betrayal by Judas, the arrest by the high priest, and the crucifixion on Golgotha. The Gospel is read during the Good Friday service and is accompanied by various hymns and prayers to honor the sacrifice of Jesus. The Passion of Jesus Christ is a profound reflection on the human condition and the divine plan of redemption. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
The veneration of the cross is a central part of the Good Friday liturgy, where Catholics honor the cross as the instrument of Christ’s sacrifice and a symbol of redemption, not as an object of worship itself. This practice emphasizes the paradox of the cross: once a symbol of shame and execution, it now represents hope, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Faithful participants often kiss or touch the cross as a sign of reverence, gratitude, and love, connecting spiritually to Christ’s suffering and triumph over sin.
Catholics receive Holy Communion on Good Friday, but it is not the same as a typical Sunday Mass. The liturgy is more focused on the Passion narrative, emphasizing the sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist distributed on Good Friday is reserved and consecrated on Holy Thursday evening. The liturgy includes prayers of the faithful, the Liturgy of the Word, and a special "Prayers of the Faithful" that are structured and have prescribed content. The Church encourages a spirit of penance and prayer on this day, making it a time for reflection and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. (Catholic Answers)