Holy Week and Easter liturgies at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday
March 29, 2026 – April 5, 2026

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 29, and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 5.  The liturgical celebrations will take place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Ave., except for the Chrism Mass on March 31, 2026.  This liturgy will take place at St. Sebastian Parish, 476 Mull Ave, Akron.

All the below liturgies will be livestreamed at dioceseofcleveland.org. Specific information on each livestream, including embed codes, has been provided at the end of this release.

The Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic, JCL, bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland will be the celebrant and homilist unless noted otherwise.

Palm Sunday – 11 a.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026
This Mass begins with a commemoration of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and the blessing of palm branches. Mass also includes the reading of the Passion as found in the Gospel of Matthew.

Chrism Mass – 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron, Ohio. During this Mass, Bishop Malesic will bless the oil of the catechumens and the oil of the sick as well as consecrate the oil of the sacred chrism. These holy oils will be used throughout the diocese during the coming year in the celebration of the sacraments.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday) – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026
This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the sacrament of the holy Eucharist, the sacrament of holy orders and gave us his commandment to love one another.  Homilist: Bishop Michael Woost, auxiliary bishop of Cleveland

The Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) – 3 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026
The solemn liturgy of the Lord's Passion commemorates the holy Passion and death of Jesus Christ. The traditional adoration of the cross will take place during the liturgy.  Homilist: Fr. Don Oleksiak, vicar general and moderator of the curia of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

The Easter Vigil – 8:45 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Easter Vigil contains four components: service of light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, the elect (those who have not been baptized) and candidates (those who will make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist) will become full members of the Catholic Church. These sacraments of initiation are celebrated at parishes throughout the diocese on this night. 

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – 11 a.m. Sunday, April 5, 2026
On this day of days, we offer holy Mass as a joyful sacrifice of praise to the Father who raised his Son from the dead!

Media Note:
Media are welcome to access and use any of the diocesan livestreams for their coverage needs. Please contact Nancy Fishburn to request in-person coverage.