Holy Week is an especially meaningful time of year for us as Christians. Knowing how different this year will be – unable to gather, pray, reflect and worship together in person – is unsettling, but we can be together from our homes. Home-based activities can help you (and families) move through the week thoughtfully, prayerfully and with an element of “something fun” thrown in.
Pick what appeals to you and yours from suggestions below and then share those experiences on The Diocese of West Missouri’s and your congregations Facebook pages. This is one way we can build up the body even though we’re apart!
“enter and explore the great mystery with all of our senses and with the luxury of extra time for questions and for exploration.”
Adults can adapt this Interactive Holy Week for children where you “enter and explore the great mystery with all of our senses and with the luxury of extra time for questions and for exploration.”
Palm Sunday – Share a homemade palm on your church Facebook page or just put it on your front door. Hardly two will look alike – just like us!
Maundy Thursday – Have your own indoor picnic with family, or sign up for a free zoom account and host a virtual dinner with friends to remember the Last Supper with fresh bread, prayers, and a little faith talk – together! Maundy Thursday at Home: Stripping the Table, is a beautiful guide to re-creating this experience at home. People of all ages also might like watching a 3-minute animated video of the Last Supper. And with a helpful guide someone from your congregation can organize a Gethsemane Watch: Maundy Thursday Vigil that everyone can participate in from their home.
Good Friday – TheCatholicKid.com offers free downloadable Stations of the Cross coloring pages. Explore the Good Friday reflections and meditations from BuildingFaith.com.
Holy Saturday – Everyone is invited to attend a virtual Great Easter Vigil, hosted by Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. Bishop Marty will be presiding while practicing safe social-distancing with the nine or less other clergy involved.
Easter Sunday – Follow these instructions to start your Easter Day with a special Sunrise Breakfast! The directions include readings, time to wonder and ways to make it your own. And, before decorating and hunting Easter Eggs with the kids, read through this Easter Egg Blessing created by Milestone Ministries that brings special meaning to this favorite tradition.
This coming week, what seems most important is to find ways to be present with each other, to remind others how much we love them, to talk with others about our faith, and to pray with others however we can.