Making a Meaningful Holy Week

Jesus is almost done carrying his cross and then it will be replaced with a butterfly as we journey 40 days to his Ascension.

Thanks to an unexpected cold, my husband was able to take the sick day he's wanted to use for awhile. We're always looking for ethical ways to use those up ;)  It was the perfect timing for Holy Week. I was able to send off 16 packages and get all caught up with my rosary orders and send off some special Easter packages for family.  Now we have time to clean the house for Easter and prepare our minds, hearts and think about CRAFTS for the kids to make it more meaningful.

We made this desert motif with tomb and crosses (found here) . Jesus has been in that desert for 40 days now.  Tomorrow we will take the cacti away put dirt on it, add wheat berries, and sprinkle some red water to remember that it takes the blood of Jesus on Good Friday to open the gates of heaven. He was the wheat the fell to the ground and died  It was His blood that watered the wheat for GRACE to happen in our souls.  My hope is that by Easter Sunday, the wheat grass will sprout.

Last year, we did Lacy's Last Supper craft, so we will be doing that again. I would love to do a Seder meal, but realistically, that won't happen until the kids are older- like grade school age.   For now, we remember through crafts and stories ;)

Tomorrow is Good Friday and the start of the Divine Mercy Novena, which ends on Divine Mercy Sunday next Sunday.  We've never done this as a family and my kids have no idea what is all about, so I've prepared a few things to teach them including the stories and crafts on this page, the printable chaplet on this page and maybe the countdown egg cartons craft on Lacy's page.

I just finished reading how Elise Arndt's family (A Mother's Touch) spent Good Friday in silence.  She writes how it was a tradition that the kids remembered as they grew older that it is a day to remember Christ's sacrifice all day. I think we will try our best to talk in whispers and maybe use some solemn chant as background music. Candles and incense are also good reminders for us to keep the day a prayerful one.

Have a blessed Holy week everyone!

Only three days left! Liam does this FIRST thing in the morning.