Good Friday, the day that Catholics commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus, falls on April 6 this year.
It is a somber day as we remember Christ's passion and suffering for our sins.
It is a day marked by traditions within the church as well. While there is only one official ceremony for the day, many practices are recognized by the church.
Some followers observe a sun up to sun down fast during this day as part of their Lenten practice of fasting, abstinence, almsgiving, prayer and worship. This differs from the regular fasting called for on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday which requires that only one meal be taken.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the church permits the tradition, in some areas, of carrying a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows in procession.
Another custom that is permitted is the exposition of a relic of the cross on the high alter as well as carrying it in procession (paraphrased from the Encyclopedia).
One custom that has died away, however, was to submit to the "rod of penance." Apparently this voluntary act had been popular in England some time ago.
However you remember our Lord on this day is an important preparation for Easter, what the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the "feast of feasts."
If you want to reach out to others and give of yourself on Good Friday, try prayer. There are several organizations that are coming together in prayer on that day. Among them is Guideposts, a Christian-focused magazine founded by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and his wife, Ruth Stafford Peale. It is inviting people to post prayer requests on its Day of Prayer page. The prayers will be said on Good Friday. if you'd like, instead of making a request, you can visit the site on Good Friday and pray for those who have posted requests.
Another way you can participate in the Easter Tridium (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil) is to reflect on scripture chosen for those days:
John 13:1-15
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Luke 24:1-12
