Holy Week at Home
Resources:
Holy Week Instructions
Activities for Holy Week at Home
Live Masses
Solemn Intercession
Holy Week Liturgical Suggestions:
Holy Week
Take a moment and mediate on the scripture readings before each celebration (usccb.org)
Participate in the solemn liturgical celebrations of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter by joining a live streamed broadcast. Set aside other distractions, join in the various gestures (sitting, standing, kneeling, etc.), say the responses, listen to scriptures proclaimed, reflect during the homily, and offer yourself and all that you are going through.
Consider the following to make each day special:
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Palm Sunday
One question that has come up repeatedly is how to handle the distribution of palms this Sunday. We had hoped to find a way to distribute them, and many good suggestions were offered, but, ultimately, our medical experts told us the threat of possibly spreading the virus seemed too great. Therefore, we have asked the pastors to bless and store the palms until we are able to open our churches.
Instead download a virtual palm (have Gabby create one with the prayer: Increase the faith of those who place their hope in you, O God, and graciously hear the prayers of those who call on you, that we, who today hold high these branches to hail Christ in his triumph, may bear fruit for you by good works accomplished in him. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.) or obtain a green “palm-like” branch from your yard, offer the following prayer (see above), and perform a good work in the name of Christ the King.
Holy Thursday
Altars of repose for the faithful to visit unfortunately cannot be set up, even in churches for private prayer. Public gatherings are suspended and there is no way to control the gathering of the faithful for this time-honored, prayerful tradition.
Or, make a mini-pilgrimage in your car. Simply drive to seven churches in your area, remaining in your car at each one.
At each church:
Make the Sign of the Cross
Read aloud and then spend a few moments meditating on one of the Seven Last Words of Christ:
1) Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. ~ Luke 23:34; 2) Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. ~ Luke 23:43; 3) Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother. ~ John 19:26-27; 4) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ~ Mt.27:46 & Mk. 15:34; 5) I thirst. ~ John 19:28; 6) It is finished. ~ John 19:30; 7) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. ~ Luke 23:46
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be for our Holy Father’s Intention
Make the Sign of the Cross
Precede to the next church
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Good Friday
In churches open for private prayer, gatherings cannot take place and the Cross cannot be venerated by means of a kiss or a touch.
Instead genuflect or bow as a sign of reverence. Or, if you remain at home observe a little extra quiet. Take crucifix and place it in a prominent place in your home. Cover it with a red cloth before the liturgy and unveil it during the liturgy at the appropriate time. Venerate it and keep it on display throughout the day as a reminder of the love with which Christ gave his life for us and for our salvation.
The Easter Vigil
Outdoor gatherings in which the Easter fire is lit cannot take place because public gatherings are suspended.
Instead light a candle in your home before the Vigil begins, announce with great joy, “The Light of Christ,” and respond, “Thanks be to God.” Display this candle in a prominent place throughout the vigil.
Give each member of the family a smaller candle and renew the promises made at baptism at the appropriate time or on your own:
Do you renounce Satan? I do
And all his works? I do
And all his empty show? I do
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? I do
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? I do
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do.
Bless yourself with holy water if you have some.
Easter Sunday
The distribution of holy water should not take place and Easter baskets should not be blessed. Medical experts have advised that the risk of spreading COVID-19 is too great. Priests may bless water in a holy water dispenser and wait until public gatherings have resumed for the faithful to take some “Easter water” to their homes.
Instead drive by your parish church, beep the horn, make the Sign of the Cross, and say with great joy: “The Lord is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia, Alleluia!” Also, keep the candle from the Easter Vigil burning brightly in your home. Or, if you did not participate in the Vigil, light a candle on Easter Sunday. Light the same candle each day for the next eight days (The Octave of Easter) every time you offer your prayers.
Finally, if you did not participate in the Easter Vigil, renew the promises made at baptism at the appropriate time during a streamed Mass or on your own:
Do you renounce Satan? I do
And all his works? I do
And all his empty show? I do
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? I do
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? I do
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do.
And Bless yourself with holy water if you have some.
