The evidence that sealed Mrs. Surratt's fate

[Linda Anderson]

Good Friday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass that day for the simple reason that Masses are not celebrated on Good Friday nor are Catholics required to attend services although many do. When Weichmann says he went to Mass on Good Friday morning, he is probably talking about the Mass of the Presanctified.

"The Mass of the Presanctified (Latin: missa præsanctificatorum, Greek: leitourgia ton proegiasmenon) is a Christian liturgy traditionally celebrated on Good Friday in which the consecration is not preformed. Instead, Holy Communion that was consecrated at an earlier Mass and reserved is distributed."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_of_the_Presanctified

It is interesting to note that Weichmann says he was in his room reading when at "two o'clock, or half past two, there was a knock at the door and, on opening it, I beheld Mrs. Surratt with a letter in her hand."

Noon to three o'clock is the time of Jesus' suffering and death on the Cross. Churches also have services during this sacred time.