Maundy Thursday in Canada

Maundy Thursday is a Christian observance in Canada. The day, also known as Holy Thursday, occurs during Holy Week and falls on the Thursday before Good Friday. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s last supper and the initiation of the Eucharist, which is observed in many Christian churches.

Many churches offer Communion during Maundy Thursday church services.

©iStockphoto.com/Wojtek Kryczka

What do people do?

Many Christians in Canada attend Maundy Thursday church services, which are often held in the evenings. Services on this day usually reflect on the story of the Last Supper, which is told in the Christian bible. Communion is offered to the congregation, prayers are made and oils are blessed. Some churches no longer allow dipping bread into wine (intinction).

Some priests or ministers wash parishioners’ feet in memory of the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. It is also common practice for altars to be stripped bare on Maundy Thursday. Some churches offer a light supper for congregation members after the Maundy Thursday service, where donations for the meals are used for charitable causes. It is also a time for some Christians to donate money to the poor. 

Maundy Thursday is also a time for many people who plan on going away for the Easter long weekend, which begins on Good Friday, to prepare for their trip. Many Canadians use the Easter Long weekend for getaway trips to places such as holiday cabins or resorts.

Public life

Maundy Thursday is not a public holiday in Canada so schools, government offices and businesses are open. Public transport providers run to their usual schedules.

Background

Maundy Thursday is traditionally known as the Thursday of the Lord’s Supper to commemorate the institution of the Eucharist, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating (or making holy) bread and wine. It is also known as Holy Communion. Many of the Maundy Thursday church traditions come from practices that took place in Europe for many centuries.

About Maundy Thursday in other countries

Maundy Thursday Observances

Related holidays

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in Canada

• St David's Day ―Friday, March 1, 2013
• Daylight Saving Time starts ―Sunday, March 10, 2013
• Commonwealth Day ―Monday, March 11, 2013
• St. Patrick's Day ―Sunday, March 17, 2013
• St. Patrick's Day ―Monday, March 18, 2013
• March equinox ―Wednesday, March 20, 2013
• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, March 24, 2013
• First day of Passover ―Tuesday, March 26, 2013
• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Holy Saturday ―Saturday, March 30, 2013
• Easter Sunday ―Sunday, March 31, 2013