9 things you need to know about Good Friday

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-good-friday/

Why is this day called "Good Friday"

It is also argued that the name is based on a Medieval use of the word good where it meant "holy." Thus "Good Friday" would have come from "Holy Friday," the same way we have Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.

What happened on the first Good Friday?

Was taken before Pilate in the morning Sent to Herod Returned to Pilate Was mocked and beaten Saw Barabbas released in his stead Was crowned with thorns Was condemned to death Carried the crushing burden of his cross Told the weeping women what would happen in the future Was crucified between two thieves Forgave those who crucified him Entrusted the Virgin Mary to the beloved disciple Assured the good thief of his salvation Said his famous seven last words Cried out and died In addition: There was darkness over the land There was an earthquake The veil of the temple was torn in two Many saints of the Old Testament period were raised A soldier pierced Christ's side and blood and water flowed out Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body He was buried in Joseph's own tomb A guard was set over the tomb All Jesus' friends and family grieved at his death

How do we celebrate Good Friday today?

meditates on the passion of her Lord and Spouse,  adores the cross,  commemorates her origin from the side of Christ asleep on the cross,  and intercedes for the salvation of the whole world.

Are fast and abstinence required on Good Friday?

Yes.

Good Friday is a day of penance to be observed as of obligation in the whole Church, and indeed through abstinence and fasting.

Are the sacraments celebrated on Good Friday?

Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful during the Celebration of the Lord's Passion alone, though it may be brought at any time of the day to the sick who cannot take part in the celebration.

All celebration of the sacraments on this day is strictly prohibited, except for the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick.

Baptism in danger of death is also permitted.

What liturgical celebrations occur on this day?

A liturgy of the word The adoration of the cross A Communion service using hosts already consecrated.

The Celebration of the Lord's Passion is to take place in the afternoon, at about three o'clock.

How is the cross venerated?

The rite should be carried out with the splendor worthy of the mystery of our salvation: both the invitation pronounced at the unveiling of the cross, and the people's response should be made in song, and a period of respectful silence is to be observed after each act of veneration—the celebrant standing and holding the raised cross.

only when necessitated by the large numbers of faithful present should the rite of veneration be made simultaneously by all present.

Only one cross should be used for the veneration, as this contributes to the full symbolism of the rite.

During the veneration of the cross the antiphons, "Reproaches," and hymns should be sung, so that the history of salvation be commemorated through song. Other appropriate songs may also be sung (cf. n. 42).

What happens after the Celebration of the Lord's Passion?

After the celebration, the altar is stripped; the cross remains however, with four candles.

Are other devotions appropriate to Good Friday?

Devotions such as the "Way of the Cross," processions of the passion, and commemorations of the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary are not, for pastoral reasons, to be neglected.