While my plan was to share this email last Friday, I did not want this whole week to go by without sending it, despite the many delays. Please take a few moments to look over these options to help your family recognize this isn't just any week, but Holy Week! I promise, they are quick and easy!

Just this morning I finally started carving the time to listen to Dr. Brant Pitre's Holy Week podcast on FORMED. Listen to it while you get dressed in the morning, or drive to work, or drive the kids to practice! I promise you, it is rich and worth carving out the time. Get answers to these questions: Why did Jesus ride a "stolen" donkey on Palm Sunday? Why is today called Spy Wednesday? We know the Eucharist was instituted at the Last Supper by HOW significant are Jesus' actions and words at the Last Supper? What is the Chrism Mass? Why did Jesus die on a cross?

Go to St. Mike's home page to create your free FORMED account. Remember, this is our gift to you, check it out!

Know that I continue to hold you all in prayer. This week, I pray that your family is able to slow down, reflect on the events of Jesus' Passion. I pray that you are able to experience the joy of those who found the empty tomb when we come to Easter Sunday. I pray that you are able to find creative ways to celebrate this most Sacred week of our Church.

God bless you all!

Patti

Give your children a quick overview of Holy Week with this video:

Judas turned Jesus over to Jewish authorities for 30 pieces of silver. Try hiding 30 real or pretend coins around your house and have your children hunt for them. Then discuss with your children Judas' betrayal. Maybe you can even consider donating 30 coins to your Helping Hands for Haiti Project. You can see an example of this activity posted by Kendra Tierney.

Make Judas' Money Bags 

Activity - Institution of the Eucharist, the meal we share together every Sunday. Take bread and grape juice and show your children how Jesus said, "Take this and eat". This is my Body and my Blood. Explain how those words are the same words the priest uses today when he consecrates the Eucharist. Jesus said do this in memory of me. We do this because Jesus told us to do it! He was showing the Disciples how to be priests. On Holy Thursday, the priests and deacons lay prostrate and renew their commitment to Christ and His Church. Priests are the instruments of the Holy Spirit. When they consecrate the bread and wine, we know a miracle happens and though it still LOOKS like bread and wine, the gifts are now the Body and Blood of Christ. We fill ourselves with Jesus to be strengthened to live His mission.

Activity - Have your own foot washing at home. Talk with your children about how we are called to serve others. Our whole lives should be acts of giving to others. That starts in your home and extends to your community and the world.

Video: Watch God's Story: The Last Supper.

Good Friday is about the Cross. This is the day Jesus died. 

Dye Easter Eggs 

Color hard boiled eggs and talk about new life. Talk about how Easter is about Jesus rising from the dead and making it possible for us to be united with Him in Heaven after we died. We can live eternally with God and all of our family and friends who followed Christ's Way.

Make Resurrection Rolls to enjoy after dinner! See the recipe here.