Good Friday 2026: The Day of the Cross with no Communion

Good Friday is the day Christians remember the death of Jesus. It is a very solemn day, as you might imagine. It is a day without Mass, though a Good Friday liturgy is held in which Communion is distributed in Catholic churches.

Good Friday is also not a holy day of obligation for Catholics. They do not have to go to church, but often do. Often, there is a crucifix that churchgoers can kiss, touch, bow to, or kneel to. Did you know that?

Good Friday Summary

Good Friday is the day Christians the world over commemorate the death of Jesus. Jesus was Crucified, which was a common Roman punishment. He was crucified with two criminals, and it says in the Bible that one condemned him, and the other asked Jesus to remember him when he got to his kingdom.

Catholics must fast on Good Friday, and as it is a Friday in Lent, they are prohibited from eating meat. Good Friday is not a day Catholics are required to attend Mass, although many do attend the liturgy. At the liturgy, they kiss or show reverence to a crucifix and receive communion.

People Look East

A weathered stone crucifix with a detailed figure against a cloudy blue sky, conveying solemnity and spirituality. The angle emphasizes the statue's expression, Jesus, Good Friday — Photo by Wim van ‘t Einde on Unsplash

Some Christians look to the east at 3 p.m. This is the time Jesus is said to have died. They look east toward Golgatha, or “the place of the skull,” where Jesus was crucified. The hour of 3 p.m. is also the Hour of Mercy, when it is common practice to engage in prayer, reflection, or the Stations of the Cross.

It is also the case that some Catholic churches have their altar to the east. They also have large crucifixes with the body of Jesus. Catholics may also have crucifixes in their rooms. Some crosses are blessed by a priest. Finally, many Catholics wear a necklace with a crucifix.

Modern Relevance

Though Jesus was crucified more than 2000 years ago, his death by crucifixion is, and has been, remembered by Christians for the past two millennia. They all believe that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead. So, yes, this event has tremendous modern relevance. Thousands of Masses and other Christian services have been celebrated over the years, including today.

Parting Shots

Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians and is coming up. For 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3. It is typically the Friday before Easter. Catholics believe Jesus died on Good Friday and rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. Oddly enough, for them, the day is not a holy day of obligation, though many feel like being in a church that day.