Hello Friends,
With so many options for online services and activities for how to fully live this year’s Triduum and Easter while in quarantine, you may not need or want any more input! Believe me, I understand!
My intention isn’t to replace or take away from what you already have planned, rather I’m hoping that by sharing my plan with you it might help simplify your approach to this holy time of year and free you up to just enter into it!
My prayer is that what I’ve put together will bless you and help with your at-home observance of these most holy days ahead!
Thursday – Holy Thursday
What about Holy Thursday? https://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-holy-thursday
- Commemorate the “Last Supper” – Demonstrate the washing of the feet. Discuss “servanthood” and what it feels like to be the one washing the feet and also the one having their feet washed.
- If we were at church the altar would be stripped bare and all holy objects covered, taking away all visual reminders of our Savior until Easter Sunday, creating a longing in our hearts – we can attempt to recreate this by covering the holy objects in our own homes and if you’ve set up a special place to share online mass together, strip it bare.
- Overnight prayer vigil to commemorate the “keeping watch” with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane – family members can take turns praying and spending quiet time with Jesus throughout the night.o This is a link to EWTN’s Facebook Live Perpetual Adoration https://www.facebook.com/ewtnonline/videos/197426671687162/ (Not sure if this will be live on Holy Thursday)
Friday – Good Friday – Most Solemn Day of the Year – Christ Crucified
- Offer a solemn day of reflection. – Consider a day of silence (as much as possible within family life!).
- If you are able, try to especially set aside 12:00-3:00 for prayer. During this time, you could listen to one of our favorite songs by Ray Boltz. This powerful song, called “Watch The Lamb”, is the story of the Passion of Christ told from Simon’s perspective (The man forced to help Christ carry His Cross) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzPoEiWZbWQ. If music moves you like it does me, make sure you have your tissues!
- Read and meditate on the “Last 7 Words of Christ” – Fulton Sheen’s rendition is by far my favorite. Here is a link to the kindle version so that you can access it right away! – https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Last-Words-Fulton-Sheen-ebook/dp/B01I41E5MK
- Stations of the Cross – https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/stations-of-the-cross/
- Consider watching “The Passion of Christ” – It is hard to watch – but it’s an excellent depiction of Christ’s passion and definitely provides a valuable opportunity to ponder what Our Savior did for us https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Christ-Widescreen-Jim-Caviezel/dp/B00028HBKM
Saturday – Holy Saturday – Christ in the Tomb
- A subdued day of reflecting on a world without Christ.
- Begin the day by asking family members to ponder the question, “What would the world be like without Jesus?” – “What would be different?” Periodically throughout the day, repeat the question and ask for thoughts.
- You could also Color eggs! Remember – make it simple! Sharpies work great!
- End your day by making Resurrection Cookies! https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/resurrection-cookies-easter-scripture-eggsactivity-day-idea/ The ingredients and the process of making this sweet treat follows the story of Christ and our redemption.
Sunday – Hallelujah! HE IS RISEN!! – Happy Easter!!
- Here’s were I would love to hear from you!! Please drop your family traditions and how you will celebrate Easter with your families!!
Peace to all of you!
Much Love,
Ruth