Holy Thursday at Saint Peter Cathedral: Called to Serve
By Allison Mosier04/03/2026
On Holy Thursday evening, the faithful gathered at Saint Peter Cathedral to enter into the sacred beginning of the Easter Triduum through the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This liturgy draws the Church into the very heart of Christ’s love—revealed in the gift of the Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood and His enduring example of humble service.
Presided over by Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, the Mass was concelebrated by Father Michael Ferrick and Father Joe Petrone, along with Father Pat McCormick. Assisting at the altar were Deacon Jeff Swanson and Deacon Ray Sobina, with Father Ian McElrath serving as Master of Ceremonies. Together, they led the faithful through a night that is not simply remembered, but entered into—made present once again through word, sacrament and sign.
At the center of the liturgy was the Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Following the homily, that same act of humility was witnessed in a powerful and personal way. As part of the liturgy, the washing of the feet of the catechumens took place—those who, in just two days, will be fully initiated into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
This moment, deeply rooted in the Church’s tradition, recalls Jesus’ act of humble service at the Last Supper, when He knelt before His disciples and washed their feet. It is a sign not only of love, but of the kind of life to which every disciple is called.
For the catechumens, this act carries even greater significance. As they prepare to enter fully into the Church, they are not only receiving the faith—they are stepping into it. The washing of their feet stands as both a welcome and a call: to live as Christ lived, to serve as He served and to embrace a life shaped by humility, sacrifice and love.
Father Ferrick, Deacon Swanson and Deacon Sobina carried out the ritual, carefully pouring water over each foot and drying it, reflecting Christ’s own actions. In that moment, the entire assembly was reminded that discipleship is not passive. It is lived through concrete acts of service—often quiet, often unseen, but always rooted in love.
In his homily, Bishop Persico reflected on the depth of this sacred night and the response it demands. “Jesus gives us His very life and so makes this night holy. He does not, however, give us the luxury of simply being bystanders… We are called to respond… ‘Follow me.’”
He reminded the faithful that Holy Thursday is not only about recalling what Christ has done, but about becoming participants in it. The Eucharist is not symbolic, but the real presence of Christ, given for the life of the world. The priesthood ensures that this gift endures. And the washing of the feet reveals that love must be lived in action.
“To come to this table is to be both guest and servant,” Bishop Persico said. “To feast on the bread of life… and then to be willing to wash the feet of one another.”
As the Blessed Sacrament was carried in procession to the place of repose and the cathedral grew still, the faithful departed in silence—carrying with them the invitation of the night. For the catechumens, the journey now moves swiftly toward its fulfillment. In just two days, they will be received into full communion with the Church, completing a path of preparation that now gives way to new life in Christ.
View photos from Holy Thursday here.
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