Holy Week 2015

"TOMORROW is PALM SUNDAY!  The start of Holy Week is tomorrow!" 

exclaimed E-Bear last night at dinner.

Holy Week is upon us, friends.  We have made it through all of our Lent Pockets.  Our Lent Calendars are nearly completely colored.  Our bean basket is full of black beans.  We are ready for Easter.  But before Easter, we're hoping to fully enter into the mystery of the events of this week.

As I have said in previous years, I have found that there are many wonderful ways to make Holy Week special in the home for young families.  Our kids now look forward to Holy Week almost as much as Easter, remembering the special meals, crafts and readings that we enjoy as a family.  This year, I am especially excited because our Spring Break aligns with Holy Week, so all my kids will be home. We'll have plenty of time to savor each day.

This is our plan for Holy Week this year.  Each night, in addition to the activities below, we do the  Stations of the Cross after dinner so that we will finish them by Good Friday. 

Palm Sunday

Bring 'Hosanna' paper palms to church.

*Craft: Make palm frond crosses

Kids get Cross Wreaths to decorate for Holy Week

Cover crosses and crucifixes in the house for Holy Week
Dinner: Chili and quesadillas

Holy Monday ~ Preparation Day

*Craft: Making Lamb of God Easter cards (don't forget to mail them!)

Dinner: Tortilla soup with carrots, chips and salsa

A few of our Lamb of God cards from last year.
Inside we write: "Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!" and "Happy Easter!"

Holy Tuesday ~ Preparation Day

*Craft: Decorating Easter Eggs!
Church Penance Service 
Dinner: Spinach tortellini with tomato cream sauce, peas and oranges

Spy Wednesday ~ Preparation Day
Remembering how Judas and the leaders plotted to capture Jesus
Remembering Jesus' anointing at Bethany
*Craft: Spy Wednesday silver coin craft from Catholic Icing
Dinner: Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup with whole wheat Irish soda bread and 
Cracker rounds (remembering the thirty pieces of silver),
olive oil (to "anoint the bread"), applesauce

~Maundy Thursday~

Remembering the Last Supper,  Jesus' night in the Garden, Jesus' trial

*Craft:  Garden of Gethsemane Praying Hands from Sowing Mustard Seeds

Holy Thursday Mass and Seven Churches Prayer Walk

Dinner: Remembering the Last Supper & Washing Feet

We'll read passages from the Gospels and wash each other's feet at dinner

Turkey meatballs (remembering the roast lamb) from Everyday Food Magazine

(these can be made ahead and frozen ~ perfect for a busy week!)

 Homemade pesto (remembering the bitter herbs and bread)

Praying Hands Pretzels from Catholic Icing  

(remembering the unleavened bread and Jesus' prayers in the garden)

Grape juice in "chalices" (remembering the wine)

Three spinach leaves salad (remembering Jesus telling Peter he would deny him three times)

Raisins (remembering the Mount of Olives)

Red Twizzlers, Hershey Kisses (remembering Judas' bad kiss and Jesus' arrest)

Our "Upper Room" to remember the Last Supper.

~Good Friday~

Keeping Vigil at the Cross

*Craft: Making Crown of Thorns by Catholic Icing

Lunch: Cross Sandwiches from Catholic Icing

Dinner: Hot Cross Buns from Spoonful

Pineapple cubes (remembering how the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garment)

Roasted Asparagus Spears (remembering how the soldiers pierced Jesus' side)

Cheese sticks (remembering the two robbers crucified with Jesus)

Jam & Water (remembering the blood and water from Jesus' side)

~Holy Saturday~

Awaiting the Resurrection!

Breakfast: G-Bear's Birthday!  

Resurrection Rolls from Eat at Allies with whipped cream and sprinkles

Dinner: G-Bear's birthday party!

Whatever is in store for us this week, may we meet the Lord in a deeper, more personal way.   We all need Him; He loves us so much.  How deep the Father's love for us.

Happily Ever,

Queen B