Why do we have so many ceremonies at Easter?

The Easter Triduum refers to three days in the Church's calendar which express the central mystery of our Christian faith.

It begins on Holy Thursday as we focus on Jesus' farewell words and deeds at the Last Supper.  Good Friday is when we ponder the events of his suffering and death.  It finishes with the Easter Vigil when we celebrate the liberation of humankin through Christ's resurrection.

This three-stage sequence of worship allows us to take in an enormous mystery in small parts and to relate it to our own lives - the sorrows, joys, successes and failures.  Of all the Church's celebrations throughout the year, the Easter Triduum is considered the highpoint.