Holy Week with Kids

Holy Week is actually really well suited for kids - the whole week is full of tangible symbols and stories that reach to the heart of Christian faith.

Answering Questions

Honesty and simplicity are key:

Why did Jesus die?  Well, the leaders of his day were scared of him and thought he was dangerous - even though he was not violent at all.

Why did he die on a cross? Crucifixion is how they killed people leading rebellions - so that the person was really visible as they were dying and their followers would get scared off.

Why do we call it "Good Friday"? Well, though Jesus dying is really sad, people ever since have seen God's love at work in his death, showing how God is with us even in sad times - even with us in death.  As well, because Jesus said, "Father forgive them, they don't know what they are doing" people have learnt that God can forgive even the most terrible things.  That God loves us so much that there is always a second chance for us.

The Main Services

You might also want to talk simply before services:

• Palm Sunday is when we remember that Jesus was a humble king who rode a donkey into Jerusalem.  It's when we march around carrying branches.
• Maundy Thursday is when we remember that Jesus washed his disciple's feet.  It's also when we remember that Judas and all Jesus' friends betrayed him.  In Church, we wash people's feet and the altar guild will 'strip the altar' and clean all the colour and special things out of the sanctuary.
• Good Friday is when we remember Jesus' death on the cross.
• Easter is when we celebrate that Jesus didn't say dead, but he overcame death, and rose again!

Traditions

Some lovely traditions have grown up around Holy Week that are very accessible to kids.  Note - most of them have to do with food!

• Make hot crossed buns
• Make pretzles
• Prepare an easter lunch basket to be blessed at church on Easter Sunday. (This is a traditional Eastern European way to 'break the fast' of Lent.)  Kid's could include Easter treats/gifts in this blessing.
• Use the file "Triduum cards" attached as a tool of celebrating the Holy Week liturgies at home
• Other ideas here: https://www.catholicicing.com/ultimate-guide-for-celebrating-holy/

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The file is attached from our fellow Diocese of New Westminister in BC:

https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/holy-week-formation-at-home?fbclid=IwAR3RdJlckahHq51UPBBGaFdQ5QHpfWGU618rirxL_D_u0_UMlvRog0tA4qQ