Of all the days of the Easter Triduum, Holy Saturday can be the most mysterious. It is an odd day, the time between the death and Resurrection of Christ. 

Surely this is a day of great silence and sadness. Perhaps a day of fear and wondering as well. Imagine how confused and worried the followers of Jesus must have been! 

The man they followed and believed in was gone… they were not expecting the Resurrection. They thought it was over.

Today is a day of great silence and stillness as we reflect on the Lord’s body lying in the tomb. Take a nice, quiet walk as a family. Try to walk in silence and imagine how the disciples of Jesus felt after His death. 

After walking in silence for a bit, talk about this as a family. Have you ever doubted or struggled to believe? Have you ever worried about what’s next?

As you talk together, remind each other of the times the Lord has come through and has answered your prayers.

Too cold outside, or not an easy place for a family walk? Swap in some quiet coloring time, with the discussions above as the inspiration for your children to color their thoughts and share what they drew and why.

On the eve of Easter, the Church celebrates the Easter Vigil. This beautiful Mass begins with the church in darkness, the only light is the Paschal candle (the Easter candle). 

Then, the flame from the Paschal candle is passed from candle to candle, until the entire church is completely lit by candlelight. This powerfully symbolizes how the Light of Christ is spread and dispels all the darkness of the world. 

Try this as a family! Turn off all the lights during dinner, use only candles (or electric candles) to provide the light. Reflect on the darkness the world felt as Jesus lay in the tomb. 

Where do you need the Light of Christ in your life? Where do you need the presence of Jesus?

Then, discuss as a family how you can bring the light of Christ to others!