Holy Week at Home
With the suspension of all public Masses throughout our diocese, we are facing an unimaginable Holy Week. There will be no Palm Sundays in our parishes, no Triduum liturgies, no Easter Sunday Mass. Yet, even under these circumstances, we can still celebrate Holy Week at home, in a meaningful way.
With the suspension of all public Masses throughout our diocese, we are facing an unimaginable Holy Week. There will be no Palm Sundays in our parishes, no Triduum liturgies, no Easter Sunday Mass. Yet, even under these circumstances, we can still celebrate Holy Week at home, in a meaningful way.
READ SCRIPTURE DAILY: Pray along with the church, using the daily readings. This is a wonderful way of following Jesus, from Palm Sunday, through Easter morning.
REFRAIN FROM NOISE AND MEDIA: During Holy Week, limit secular television and radio. Instead, opt for listening to sacred music or television shows.
FAITH FORMATION: Holy Week is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. Read a spiritual book, watch a video or listen to a podcast, all free from Formed.
PALM SUNDAY: Place a branch of any kind on your door or window, publicly acknowledging Palm Sunday.
HOLY THURSDAY: Have a simple foot washing ceremony with the family. Read John 13: 1-15. Wash each other’s feet. Share ways you can be of service to one another. The rest of the evening, spend in quiet, spending time with Jesus in the Garden.
GOOD FRIDAY: Keep a period of silence from noon – 3pm. At 3pm, venerate the cross. Read John 18: 1-19:42 and spend time before the crucifix. Pray the Stations of the Cross.
HOLY SATURDAY: Rest and wait on this day, waiting by Jesus’ tomb. Read John 19: 25-27 and take Mary into your heart and home. Go outside...take a walk around the neighborhood. Use chalk and write hopeful messages on the sidewalk or driveway.
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Sources:
- A Beautiful Idea for Palm Sunday - TheDeaconsBench.com
- Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Holy Week at Home - BlessedIsShe.Net
- HolyWeek@Home Experience - holyweek.pastoral.center/
- Holy Week in a Box - BuildFaith.org
- How to make the most of Holy Week at home - osvnews.com
- How families can make the most of Mass at home - osvnews.com
- Holy Week and Easter Resources - Sadlier.com
- Resources for Holy Week (PDF)
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Beth Wright
Associate Director
| 214.379.2850
Beth Wright is passionate about lifelong catechesis. Although she has served adults, children, families and youth in the faith for over twenty years, she continues to seek new ways to help families be the "domestic church". She holds a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from the Neuhoff School of Ministry at the University of Dallas and is an Affiliate Instructor in their Certificate of Pastoral Ministry program.