Empty Tabernacle on Holy Thursday

When I attended Mass on Holy Thursday at St. Joseph's in Babylon, I was very surprised to see the tabernacle was empty, doors wide open, and the sanctuary lamp out. This was apparently correct. I believe this is the first time I have ever seen the tabernacle empty before Holy Thursday Mass - I have always seen it done after the Mass. Speaking of Liturgical stuff, I have yet to see veiled statues, does anyone know of any parish on Long Island that veils its statues for Holy Week?