How to Commemorate Holy Week and Best Tips for Attending Liturgies with Kids

How to Commemorate Holy Week and Best Tips for Attending Liturgies with Kids

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the most solemn and significant week of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, leading up to the celebration of Easter. It’s almost as if the Church puts on this dramatized flashback of the very first Holy Week within the liturgy. Traditionally, there is daily Mass throughout the week, except for Good Friday when the liturgy is “pre-sanctified.” On Holy Saturday evening, the Easter Vigil marks the culmination of the week.

During Holy Week, each day holds unique significance:

• Spy Wednesday: Some churches hold Tenebrae services, a profound and dramatic prayer service from the Liturgy of the Hours, featuring candlelight and the sound of banging at the final prayer to symbolize the chaos after Jesus’ death. This can be particularly engaging for older kids but may be too late at night for younger ones.
• Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday): This day begins the Triduum, the three most solemn days of the liturgical year. The Mass of the Last Supper commemorates both the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The priest wears white vestments instead of the usual Lenten purple. During the Mass, the priest washes the feet of 12 people, reflecting Jesus’ service to His apostles. The Eucharist is reposed in a side altar to signify the beginning of Christ’s Passion. We offer a Holy Thursday altar craft where children can create an image of Jesus instituting the Holy Eucharist.
• Good Friday: On this day, parishes typically offer the Stations of the Cross and the Veneration of the Cross. This is not a Mass but a time to reflect on Jesus’ passion and death. Many families find it meaningful to kiss the feet of Jesus on the cross as offered at the Veneration of the Cross.
• Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil is a beautiful and deeply moving liturgy starting after sundown. The ceremony begins with the Paschal Fire, lighting the Paschal Candle that represents the light of Christ. As the church fills with candlelight, readings trace salvation history. Often, baptisms, confirmations, and the renewal of baptismal vows take place. The Gloria, absent during Lent, returns with great joy, statues are unveiled, and bells ring once again.
• Easter Sunday: The culmination of Holy Week and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. This joyous day is filled with light, music, and celebration.

Things to Consider Doing as a Family During Holy Week

• Go to Confession: If you haven’t already during Lent, Holy Week is a perfect time. Many parishes offer extended hours.
• Clean the House for Easter: A symbolic way to prepare your home for the joy of the Resurrection.
• Attend the Mass of the Last Supper: A beautiful, family-friendly way to start the Triduum.
• Participate in the Stations of the Cross: Either at your parish or at home.
• Venerate the Cross: A tangible way for children to show reverence to Christ on the cross.

Tips for Success in Attending Liturgies with Kids

• Don’t Feel Guilty If You Can’t Attend Every Liturgy: While Holy Week liturgies are a beautiful opportunity, they are not mandatory (except for Easter Sunday Mass).
• Assess Daily: Maybe you planned to attend the entire Triduum, but life happens. If a child is cranky or one late night would disrupt the joy of Easter, adjust accordingly.
• Lower Expectations: Holy Week is about reverence, not perfection. Kids will still be kids regardless of the time of day. Small interruptions are okay. 
• Meal Plan Ahead: Prepare a special feast for Holy Thursday and plan a simple meatless meal for Good Friday. Ordering cheese pizza can be a practical solution.
• Pack Snacks: Evening liturgies can be long. A few quiet, non-messy snacks can help younger children last through the service.

• Bring Printables and Books: Engage little ones with Stations of the Cross Reflection and Sequencing Cards, Holy Week Sequencing Cards, and a Holy Thursday Craft are all printables we have to help with keeping little hands occupied during Holy Week liturgies. Check out our Amazon storefront for some books to consider. 
• Give Grace to Yourself and Your Kids: You are planting seeds of faith. What matters is that you are showing up.
• Remember That You’re Doing the Lord’s Work: Whether you make it through the entire service or spend half of it in the back, your presence matters.
• This Season of Life is Temporary: Little ones won’t be little forever. If your heart longs to attend Holy Week liturgies fully, remember there will be a time when you can.

Conclusion
Holy Week offers profound opportunities to experience the Paschal Mystery as a family. Whether through attending liturgies, doing crafts at home, or simply having meaningful conversations, every small effort reflects the beauty of our faith. Remember to go at your own pace, be flexible, and keep the focus on the joy of the Resurrection.