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Holy Family Parish
Our Faith, Our Family & Our Prayers
Palm Sunday & Holy Week
Preparing for Palm Sunday and Holy Week
As we prepare for Palm Sunday and Holy Week, below are activities you can enjoy as a family to celebrate, pray, and learn about these spiritual days:
PALM SUNDAY
- Gather: As a family, begin with Sign of the Cross.
- Scripture: Together, read from the Bible, Matthew 21:1-11.
- Activity: Jesus' Arrival into Jerusalem - Using markers and colored paper, each family member creates a sign showing their love for Jesus. Just as Jesus came into the town while the crowds praised him, children can put on costumes and act out Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem with the signs they created.
- Prayer: End these Palm Sunday activities with the Our Father Prayer.
HOLY THURSDAY
- Gather: Gather as a family, begin with Sign of the Cross.
- Scripture: Together, read from the Bible, John 13:1-15.
- Activity: Foot Washing - this Maundy Thursday event illustrates Jesus’s desire for us to serve. Wrap a towel around your waist, as Jesus did, and wash your children’s feet. Children can do other tasks at home (make dinner, wash dishes, etc.) to serve their families.
- Prayer: End these Holy Thursday activities with the Our Father Prayer.
GOOD FRIDAY
- Gather: Gather as a family, begin with Sign of the Cross.
- Scripture: Together, read from the Bible, John 18:1-19: 42.
- Activity: Habichuelas con Dulce (Sweet Cream of Beans) & Hot Crossed Buns- traditional Good Friday fare for the family to make and eat together!
Click here for a link to a recipe for Habichuelas con Dulce.
Click here for a link to a recipe for Hot Cross Buns.
- Also, to understand the events of Good Friday, together as a family, watch and discuss the video links below:
HOLY WEEK: VIDEO FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
HOLY WEEK: VIDEO FOR OLDER CHILDREN
- Prayer: End these Good Friday activities with the Our Father Prayer.
Tune into Holy Family Parish LIVE GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE broadcasting on FACEBOOK LIVE at 3:00PM
EASTER VIGIL
- Gather: Gather as a family, begin with Sign of the Cross.
- Scripture: Together, read from the Bible, Genesis 1: 1-2:2, Exodus 14: 15-15:1, Matthew 28: 1-10.
- Activity: Easter Vigil through Prayer - This link brings you to a site with an activity that brings together prayer and significant Easter spiritual items that you have at home.
- Prayer: End these Easter Vigil activities with the Our Father Prayer and other prayers to spend this time in reflection.
Tune into Holy Family Parish LIVE EASTER VIGIL broadcasting on FACEBOOK LIVE at 8:00PM. During this Easter Vigil, have family members' baptismal candles available to light during the renewal of Baptismal Promises. Also, have bells ready so children can ring them during the Gloria!
EASTER SUNDAY
- Easter Greeting: Greet each other with “Alleluia, the Lord is risen!” and answer “He is risen indeed!”
- Gather: Begin with Sign of the Cross.
- Scripture: Together, read from the Bible, John 20: 1-9.
- Activity: New Life - Seeds offer a clear message to children of the power of new life. Rest eggshell halves filled with soil in an egg carton. Plant a marigold, petunia, or grapefruit seed in each (or even grass seed for fastest results). Place in sunny window.
- Prayer: End these Easter Sunday activities with the Apostles Creed, as a reminder of our Baptismal Promises.
Tips for Teaching our Faith at Home
- Make this a priority. As a family, commit to your faith formation. Choose a sacred space to sit together, turn off cell phones, include sacred items such as your Bible, rosaries, etc.
- Begin and end with a family prayer. Have a family member lead with prayers of Our Father or Hail Mary. Or you can simply speak to God expressing your gratitude and appreciation for His gifts.
- Include music and technology. Our children love both their music and their technology! Try to include hymns and videos in your teaching.
- Make it personal! During this time of family sharing, share your personal experiences and stories of your childhood. These are the tales your children will remember!
Any Questions?
Email: catherinek@holyfamilyforall.org
Website: www.holyfamilyforall.org
Location: 56 Throop Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Phone: (732) 545-1681
Facebook: facebook.com/HolyFamilyParish
Twitter: @HolyFamily4all