Most Catholics have experienced Passiontide, but don’t actually know what it is. This is the final part of Lent leading into Holy Week, where the Church shifts its focus completely onto the Passion of Christ: His suffering, His sacrifice and the reality of the Cross.

If you’ve noticed crosses and statues being covered, or the tone of Mass feeling more serious and focused, it’s the Church is intentionally preparing you for Good Friday in a deeper way.