TRIDUUM STREET VIGIL

A Vigil of Prayer, Sacrifice, and Solidarity


Why We Gather

During the sacred days of the Triduum, we choose to step outside our comfort and enter into prayerful solidarity with our brothers and sisters who live without shelter.

The Triduum Street Vigil is an offering of prayer and penance, a small sacrifice of comfort so that our hearts may be united more deeply with Christ, who humbled Himself and had nowhere to lay His head.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head'"

Luke 9:58

This is not about imitation or performance. It is about prayer, awareness, and love while lifting up those who suffer outdoors and asking God to transform our hearts into instruments of mercy.

Our Shared Intention

Throughout the vigil we will offer:

• Prayer for those experiencing homelessness
• Penance through simplicity and discomfort
• Intercession for healing, dignity, and hope
• A deeper participation in the Passion of Christ
• We keep watch together for those who often feel unseen.

What to Expect

From Holy Thursday night through Saturday morning, participants will:

• Sleep outdoors together
• Pray at set times throughout the day and evening
• Live simply and rely only on what is available through outreach resources
• Spend time in silence, reflection, and communal prayer
• This is a sacred space of reverence, not conversation or entertainment.

Participant Guidelines (Simplicity & Sacrifice)

To keep the spirit of the vigil focused and authentic:

Each participant will receive:

• One sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• One cardboard box

No other items are allowed.
This includes: pillows, blankets, food, electronics, chairs, or personal comfort items.

During the vigil, we will only use items or resources received through local outreach centers.

Our small sacrifice allows us to pray more intentionally for those who live this reality every day.

Vigil Schedule Overview

Holy Thursday – Entering the Vigil

Holy Thursday Liturgy at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Welcome & orientation

Opening prayer and intentions

Night prayer under the open sky

Sleeping outdoors

Theme: Christ’s humility and self-emptying love.

Good Friday – Prayer & Penance

Morning prayer

Walk to Pope Francis Outreach Center for Restroom / Showers

Silent reflection and fasting

Outreach event at St. Aloysius

Scripture and Passion meditation

Stations of the Cross / intercessory prayer

Good Friday Service at Old St Mary's

Outreach event at St. Aloysius

Evening vigil and overnight rest outdoors

Theme: Walking with Christ in suffering.

Holy Saturday – Waiting in Hope

Dawn prayer of expectation

Group reflection and closing blessing

Outreach event at St. Aloysius

Departure in gratitude

Theme: Hope in the coming resurrection.

Participate From Home

Not everyone can join us physically — but everyone can unite spiritually.

You are invited to participate by:

• Sleeping outside in your yard or porch for one night
• Giving up a comfort during the Triduum
• Praying for those who suffer outside
• Joining our intentions from home

Different places — one prayer — one heart for our neighbors in need.

Our Prayer

Lord Jesus, who became poor for our sake,
teach us to see You in those who suffer.
Receive our small sacrifice as prayer for the poor,
and make our hearts tender, generous, and courageous in love. Amen.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us.

For More Information or to Sign up

Contact: schultz.michael@aod.org