The liturgy of the palms is the entrance rite for this service and includes a reading of one of the gospel accounts of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. Palm branches are distributed to the people before the service are held during the procession. The service changes focus abruptly from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the solemnity of the Passion or suffering and death of Jesus. This year, we will read St. Mark's Passion gospel. Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week.