T H Y W I L L B E D O N E .

O U R L A D Y O F G O O D C O U N S E L

- H O L Y W E E K I N T E R A C T I V E G U I D E -

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AWA I T I N G T H E CO M M A N DJ O N M C N AU G H TO N

The painting depicts Jesus standing before Pilate as he is about to be taken

away by the guards to carry his cross to Calvary. His body shows the whip

marks of the flogging. He stands tall and dignified despite the tattered red

robe and crown of thorns He is forced to wear by the Roman guards. At

this moment the Roman guards wait for the command of Pilate to take

Jesus away. Pilate has just washed his hands. Directly behind the guards

are two enormous angels, standing with great anticipation and eagerness at

any moment to intercede and destroy the wicked enemy. One angel rests

his hands on the hilt of a huge sword. The sword resembles a cross which

alludes to the looming crucifixion. The other angel holds her hands up to

constrain the dark figure behind the pillar. The evil one is not allowed to

cross the limits of his existence. The arched doorway frames the Messiah

in a godly manner to emphasize His power and divinity. Jesus stands on a

detailed mosaic floor typical of the time. The floor motif has the waves of

water which would be symbolic of the miracle when He walked on the Sea

of Galilee. His feet stand directly on the lotus flower which is a symbol of

the Resurrection. The Resurrection would be the triumphant moment when

Jesus would overcome death and His mission would be complete.

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

In the midst of this unprecedented time of a global pandemic due to the Coronavirus leading us to

shelter in place, practice “social distancing,” and adjust our lives in a multitude of ways, our Church

has risen to this occasion. We have access to wonderful online resources from our Holy Father, bishops,

priests, and others to help us stay connected with our faith communities. From Livestream Masses

to inspirational messages and reflections on the daily readings, these supply lines of grace point us to

Heaven as they speak into our “new normal.”

As we continue our Lenten journey, many of us are already dealing with the reality of not gathering at

our Parishes to celebrate Holy Week, especially the holiest days of Church, the Triduum. Not to deny

the painful reality, but we offer this opportunity for you within it.

While we take advantage of the wonderful Livestream Masses and additional resources made available

by technology, we cannot miss the opportunity to look within. We can’t emphasize our roles enough,

by virtue of our Baptism, to lead our families in prayer, sacramentals, and the liturgy. Can we celebrate

the Eucharist, no? Can we lead prayers and sacramentals, YES!

We are reminded of the words spoken over us at our baptism:

“God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ anoints you

as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King.”

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P R E P A R A T I O N S

Calling the Family TogetherWe provide this guide with prayers, videos, activities, and more to help you and your family

celebrate these holy days at home.

Preparations for the Home

1. Make a designated prayer space with a candle, rosary, picture of Jesus, crucifix or cross

(even a simple cross made out of sticks is fine), and Holy Bible.

2. Take note of recipes and activities suggested throughout the week. Look at ingredients

and supplies you may have at home and adapt as needed.

3. Set a time of day for family to engage in spiritual activities.

4. Set guidelines for discussions:

• Establish time of the day.

• Everyone is given a chance to talk.

• All agree to listen with love.

• Give permission to be real and vulnerable.

• Get a notebook/journal for a family member to take note of important family

insights during discussion times.

5. Designate someone in the family to take pictures throughout the week. We will be

creating an online Parish scrapbook. Email photos to communications@olgcparish.net.

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Discussion & Journal1. What struggles do we have in our normal daily lives which keep us from drawing nearer to

Jesus and living a life of prayer?

2. What commitments are we willing to make this Holy Week to change? List the family

commitments you are making and post them so you can see them during the week.

RecipeSoft Pretzel: the pretzel symbolizes our arms crossed and committed to prayer with Jesus this week.

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Palm Sunday Livestream Mass at 4pm. Follow along with the Gospel and

respond with the crowd during the Narrative of the Passion of Jesus.

Evening PrayerOpening Song: The Blessing by Elevation Worship.

Reader One: As we enter into Holy Week with Palm Sunday tomorrow, we remember the life of Jesus

Christ and His willingness to die for our salvation. The Church invites us to enter into the mystery of

God and receive the graces Jesus has won for us through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Jesus commits His will to the Father’s and goes to Jerusalem knowing He’s going to be put to death.

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Head of the Household: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you...

All: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Head of the Household: Let us pray to God our Father. As You are seated on the throne of Heaven,

we seek the extraordinary graces your Son, Jesus, has won for us in this week ahead. Open our hearts

to know your love more fully and never let us be parted from You. This we ask of you through our

Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

All: Amen. Come into our hearts this week and make us a new creation. Free us from all the wickedness

and snares of the devil and send your holy angels to live here and guide us in the way of peace.

Head of the Household: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

All: Now and forever.

Head of the Household: May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless and keep us.

All: Amen.

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Spiritual CommunionParticipate in the AOD’s Palm Sunday Livestream Mass at 12noon. Follow along with the Gospel

and respond with the crowd during the Narrative of the Passion of Jesus.

Discussion & JournalJesus went into Jerusalem knowing that He would be put to death but He did so anyway for love of us.

1. Discuss situations you’ve been in when it was difficult to do the right thing.

2. What decision did you make at the time and how did you grow from it?

3. Why do you think Jesus went into Jerusalem knowing that He would die?

RecipePalm Sundaes

Evening ActivityFor older family members - watch the Passion of the Christ on Prime Video, Netflix or here.

Evening PrayerReader One: Holy Week remembers the most bitter sufferings of Jesus Christ to show the depth of

His love for us. The Church invites us to come to Calvary and follow in the blood-stained footsteps

of the divine Redeemer, Jesus. We must carry the Cross willingly with Him and open our hearts to

His spirit of self-giving and atonement, and to die together with Him.

This is the day when Jesus enters Jerusalem as a hero and the crowds cheer Him saying, “Hosanna.” They were praising Jesus as the Messiah and days later they put Him to death.

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Head of the Household: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you...

All: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Head of the Household: Let us pray: All-powerful, eternal God, you have chosen to give mankind

a model of humility; our Savior took on our flesh, and subjected himself to the Cross. Grant us

the grace to preserve faithfully the lessons he has given us in his Passion and to have a share in his

Resurrection. This we ask of you through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son.

All: Amen. Come into our home, Lord, with your Presence. Free us from all the wickedness and

snares of the devil. Send your holy angels to live here and to keep us in peace. And may your blessing

remain always upon us.

Head of the Household: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

All: Now and forever.

Head of the Household: May our hope remain in the Lord, and may the Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit bless and keep us.

All: Amen.

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Morning PrayerOpening Song: So Will I by Hillsong.Read and reflect on the readings of the day.

Breaking Open the WORDHead of Household (set time aside for this): Scripture is both God breathed and God breathing. God spoke and He speaks now. What is God saying to you, to us? Spend some time in discussion as a family.

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Livestream Mass at 6pm.Participate in the AOD’s Chrism Mass Livestream at 7pm.

At the Chrism Mass, all priests gather with their bishop to unify us as one Body in Christ. During the Mass the Archbishop will consecrate the sacred oils used at Baptism, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick.

Participate in this half hour of adoration with Pope Francis from the Ubi Et Orbi (a special blessing) he gave in Rome a few weeks ago.

Discussion & JournalMary of Bethany was so simple in the expression of love she gave to Jesus when she anointed His feet.

1. How do you as a family show each other love?2. How do you show Jesus that you love Him?3. What are some ways you might be able to express your love for Jesus and for each other more

openly?

On Holy Monday, Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with oil and then dries them with her hair. We, too, reflect on the way we adore the Lord.

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ActivityCut out a construction paper cross for each member of the family. Have each family member write ways they will love each other and Jesus more. Place these paper crosses in your family prayer space.

Evening PrayerReader One: Mary of Bethany showed extraordinary love for Jesus that day when she anointed His feet and then wiped them with her own hair. We too, as the people of God and believers of Jesus Christ can love our Lord with simple affection. Every time we receive the Eucharist and especially in our daily prayers we can say, “Jesus, I love you, and I believe that you are the Savior of the World.”

Head of the Household: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you...

All: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Head of the Household: Let us pray: All-powerful, ever-loving God, you have sent your Son, Jesus, as the perfect image of your love for us. Help us to grow in awareness of your love and to love you as Mary of Bethany did with an undivided heart. Show us the ways we have failed to love you and each other and give us a new grace this week to be transformed by the grace of your Cross. All: Amen. Come into our home, Lord, with your Presence. Free us from all the wickedness and snares of the devil. Send your holy angels to live here and to keep us in peace. And may your blessing remain always upon us.

Head of the Household: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

All: Now and forever.

Head of the Household: May our hope remain in the Lord, and may the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless and keep us.

All: Amen.

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Morning PrayerOpening Song: Waymaker by Leeland.Read and reflect on the readings of the day.

Breaking Open the WORDHead of Household (set time aside for this): Scripture is both God breathed and God breathing. God spoke and He speaks now. What is God saying to you, to us? Spend some time in discussion as a family.

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Livestream Mass at 6pm.

Holy Week proves the mercy of God as Jesus shows us how to forgive and to give our whole lives for others. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet (or sing along here) as a family seeking mercy as a grace for your family.

Discussion & JournalJesus knew who was going to betray Him. Despite how hurtful and heartbreaking this must have been, Jesus didn’t give in to fear, hatred, or revenge.

1. Discuss in your own life when you have experienced hurt and betrayal like Jesus.2. How did you show forgiveness to others?3. How do you say “I’m sorry” when you hurt someone?

ActivityFill a broken heart with God’s love and mercy. Draw the outline of a heart onto a piece of paper with a jagged line down the middle showing a broken heart. Have children paste colored pieces of construction paper onto the heart to represent how God fixes a broken heart with His love and mercy.

While eating dinner with His friends today, Jesus tells them that one of them will betray Him. Jesus also tells Peter he will deny Him three times in the days to come. Jesus is alone even in the midst of His friends.

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Evening PrayerReader One: On Holy Tuesday, Jesus knew some of His closest friends were going to betray Him. As His disciples, we must look into our own hearts and see the ways we, too, have betrayed Jesus. The Good News is that Jesus will forgive us, but we need to seek His forgiveness and then join Him along the way of His cross.

Head of the Household: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you...

All: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Head of the Household: Let us pray: All-powerful and merciful Father, we know that you are a good, good Father and a God who loves mercy. We seek that mercy for our whole family. Just as Jesus knew the thoughts of the hearts of His friends, reveal to us the ways we have not loved each other and you as we should. Give us a grace to seek your forgiveness and live in your mercy.

All: Amen. Fill our hearts, Lord Jesus, with your mercy. Free us from all the wickedness and snares of the devil. Send your holy angels to live here and guide us in the way of peace.

Head of the Household: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

All: Now and forever.

Head of the Household: May our hope remain in the Lord, and may the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless and keep us.

All: Amen.

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Morning PrayerOpening Song: It Is Well by Kristene DiMarco.Read and reflect on the readings of the day.

Breaking Open the WORDHead of Household (set time aside for this): Scripture is both God breathed and God breathing. God spoke and He speaks now. What is God saying to you, to us? Spend some time in discussion as a family.

Spiritual Communion Participate in OLGC’s Livestream Mass at 6pm.

Prayer Service for ForgivenessGather in your prayer space. Light a candle. Mark a Bible with the passages below.

Opening Prayer: Make the sign of the cross.

Head of Household: Father we ask that your mercy be upon us as a family. Give us open hearts to seek and give forgiveness to one another for the ways we have hurt each other. We ask all this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Opening Song: The Father’s House by Cory Ashbury.

Reader One: Read John 13: 34-35.

This day is also known as Spy Wednesday. It is the day that Judas pretended to be a disciple of Jesus but actually sold Him for 30 pieces of silver. All of us have moments when in our sinful nature we hurt those we love. This is a day to seek and give forgiveness. The Spiritual Communion and Evening Prayer will be the same activity for the whole family to know forgiveness.

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Reader Two: Read Psalm 51.

Head of Household: Read 1 Corinthians 13:1.

Time for Reflection: Head of Household explains to family members the Seeking Forgiveness activity and encourages everyone to take a moment to reflect on the ways they may have hurt others in the family. Use Matthew West’s song Forgiveness for the time of reflection and begin the Seeking Forgiveness activity when family members are ready.

Seeking Forgiveness: Starting with the Head of the Household, state three things you have done which have hurt the family or members of your family.

Each Person Says: Please forgive me for…

All Respond: We forgive you!

Move to the next person until everyone has a chance to seek forgiveness and be given it!

All: Pray the Our Father.

Head of the Household: Read 1 John 4: 7-12.

All: Amen! Make the Sign of the Cross.

Closing Song: Thank God for His grace. Listen to Kyrie Eleison by Chris Tomlin.

Discussion & Journal1. What are you feeling after this family forgiveness service?2. What do you think you can do as a family to love each other better?3. In your family journal, take notes of ways you can commit to show your love to each other.

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RecipeUnleavened Bread

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Holy Thursday Livestream Mass at 6pm.Participate in the AOD’s Holy Thursday Livestream Mass at 7pm.

Prayer Service at HomeP R E P A R A T I O NHead of Household:

• Prepare a chair, basin, pitcher of water, and towel for the washing of feet (if you are alone, you can wash your own feet).

Children/Family Members:• Prepare a simple prayer table: Bible, Crucifix, Rosary, and Holy Card.

Opening Hymn: At the Cross by Chris Tomlin. Head of Household: Let us begin with the greatest sign of love ever given: + In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As we enter into the sacred Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we pause and call to mind our sins. Lord Jesus, you heal the contrite - Lord have mercy. You call sinners to yourself - Christ have mercy. You intercede for us at the right hand of the Father - Lord have mercy. All Sing: The Gloria.

This is the day when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples in memory of the Passover when God protected the Israelites from the angel of death. God instructed the people to make unleavened bread and so Jesus would have eaten unleavened bread this night. You can join in that ritual by making unleavened bread. At the Last Supper Jesus also instituted the Eucharist as His Body and Blood. This begins the priesthood. For this reason priests renew their vows this day.

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Or All Recite: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. All: Amen. Head of Household: Let us pray: Father you have called us together as a family to honor your Son as we rightly keep Him central in our lives. While we are unable to celebrate Holy Eucharist, Your promise is to feed us on every word that comes from you. We gather to hear you as we know you hear us. Pour out your Holy Spirit as we break open your Word, by His power and anointing we enter with expectation of encountering Jesus anew. It is his name in unity with You and the Holy Spirit we pray.

All: Amen. L I T U R G Y O F T H E W O R DFirst ReadingReader One: Read Ezekiel 47:1-9,12.

Reader One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God. Responsorial PsalmPsalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9

Reader Two: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

All: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

Reader Two: God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.

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All: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

Reader Two: There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed; God will help it at the break of dawn.

All: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

Reader Two: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Come! Behold the deeds of the Lord, the astounding things he has wrought on earth.

All: The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Verse Before the GospelPsalm 51:12a, 14a

Reader One: A clean heart create for me, O God; give me back the joy of your salvation. GospelHead of Household: Read John 5:1-16.

Head of Household: The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Breaking Open the WORDHead of Household (set time aside for this): Scripture is both God breathed and God breathing. God spoke and He speaks now. What is God saying to you, to us? Spend some time in discussion as a family.

IntentionsReader One: On this blessed night, we recall the graces Jesus has poured out on us as we offer our prayers of thanksgiving and humbly place our needs at his feet.

Each Person Says: For “insert personal intention”...We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

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Reader Two: Most merciful Father, in the sacrifice of your Son is revealed the meaning of our life. May his love penetrate our hearts, so that we might become more like him, in all we say and do. Through Christ our Lord.

Washing of FeetThis is sacred space, take as much time as necessary. Background music. Head of Household: Let us enter this sacred time of healing our family and healing between each of us.

As the Spirit of God moves you, invite someone to sit as you wash their feet as a sign of healing and forgiveness. In this way, you minister to your family as Jesus ministered to His disciples and is present NOW. As you wash feet, say:

Head of Household: Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love on another as I have loved you.”

There is no closing prayer or closing hymn as the Triduum is one liturgy beginning with Holy Thursday, including Good Friday, and concluding with the Easter celebration.

Discussion & JournalAllow people to share their thoughts on the Washing of Feet portion of the liturgy by discussing these questions:

1. Why did Jesus wash his disciples feet? 2. In what way does this relate to our Baptism? 3. How do you think the disciples felt?4. How did you feel having your feet washed this evening?

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Stations of the CrossYou can pray the Stations of the Cross any time in the morning/early afternoon on Good Friday. For younger families, you may want to have each child make one of the Stations and set them up in the yard so you can “walk the Stations” with Jesus.

Participate in OLGC’s Stations of the Cross Livestream at 12pm.Stations of the Cross for Children.Stations of the Cross for Adults.

Song: The Stabat Mater tells the story of the Blessed Mother’s journey along the way of the cross with Jesus. Play it at the end of stations or as a verse between each one.

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in the AOD’s Livestream Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord at 1pm.Participate in OLGC’s Livestream Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord at 3pm.

Prayer Service at HomeP R E P A R A T I O NHead of Household:

• Set an empty chair in the middle of the room to symbolize Jesus’ absence - place a Cross on the seat. The Cross will remain in the seat and be used for the beginning of the Easter home Liturgy.

• The Gospel Reading is very long; decide in advance who will read when “Jesus” speaks, who will be “the Crowd,” who will be “the Narrator,” and who will be “the Voice,” or simply take turns reading as a family.

• “A Time to Kneel” - Call your family to quiet and silence; on this day quiet in the home should be emphasized. Establish that the family will be quiet and kneel at 3pm for a set period of time, as this is when Jesus took His last breath. Set your cell phone alarm to 3pm as a reminder.

Children/Family Members:• Prepare the prayer space with a Bible & Cross (no corpus) only.• Gather drawing paper, crayons, and coloring pencils.• For those old enough, have a journal and a writing utensil.

Opening Hymn: There is no music - focus is on quiet, a sense of silence.

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Head of Household: Place empty chair with Cross on it in middle of room. Let us pray: Father you have called us together as a family to honor your Son as we rightly keep Him central in our lives. While we are unable to celebrate Holy Eucharist, Your promise is to feed us on every word that comes from you. We gather to hear you as we know you hear us. Pour out your Holy Spirit as we break open your Word, by His power and anointing we enter with expectation of encountering Jesus anew. It is his name in unity with You and the Holy Spirit we pray.

All: Amen. L I T U R G Y O F T H E W O R DFirst ReadingReader One: Read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12.

Reader One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God. Responsorial PsalmPsalm 31

Reader Two: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Luke 23:46).

All: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

Reader Two: In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

All: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

Reader Two: For all my foes I am an object of reproach, a laughingstock to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends; they who see me abroad flee from me. I am forgotten like the unremembered dead; I am like a dish that is broken.

All: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

Reader Two: But my trust is in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God. In your hands is my destiny; rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.”

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All: Father, into your hand I commend my spirit.

Reader Two: Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord.

All: Father, into your hand I commend my spirit. Verse Before the GospelReader One: Read Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9.

Gospel Note: this Gospel reading is very long, if young children are in your midst, have journals, coloring paper, and crayons available to use as the Gospel is read. Consider choosing family members to take turns reading.

Head of the Household: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. John 18:1-19:42.

Head of the Household: The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Breaking open the WORD1. What stood out to you in the Gospel reading?2. Children...what did you draw and why?3. Why were so many people against Jesus?4. “Behold, your mother”...what do you believe Jesus meant when He said this?5. Would you have stayed with Jesus at the foot of the cross like John and Mary?

IntercessionsReader One: Let us pray dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God and all those suffering during this pandemic, that God will guard the whole world and lead us to a place of healing, unity, and peace.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader Two: Let us pray for our most Holy Father Pope Francis, that our God and Lord, who chose him to lead our Church, will keep him safe so he can continue to guide us and pray for us.

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All: A moment of silence.

Reader One: Let us pray for our bishops, priests, deacons, and those in religious orders, along with all the lay faithful, that we, too, remain safe so we can continue to pray for our Church.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader Two: Let us pray for all those who desire to become a member of the Catholic Church, that their hearts will be open to what God desires to teach them, they will seek forgiveness for their sins, and the waters of baptism wash over them so their love for Jesus Christ flows abundantly.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader One: Let us pray for the unity of all Christians so that together, we are united in one Church.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader Two: Let us pray for all Jewish people to whom the Lord our God first spoke.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader One: Let us pray for those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ, for those who don’t believe in God, for the Holy Spirit to act in their lives to make known the truth of Jesus.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader Two: Let us pray for all those in public office, all those in the health profession, all in the military, and all who seek to serve the wellness of mankind.

All: A moment of silence.

Reader One: Let us pray for all those who are suffering, for those who will die this day.

All: A moment of silence.

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The ReproachesThe Reproaches (or “Improperia”) are a series of antiphons and responses which are part of the Good Friday liturgy. They are presented as Christ crying out to His people for the injustices they showed their God after all the wonders God had performed for them. Listen to the Mi Popule based on The Reproaches for Good Friday.

Adoration of the CrossAll: Set the timer for a chosen amount of silent time appropriate for your family to adore the Cross on your prayer space.

All: Say the Prayer of Spiritual Communion.

Discussion & JournalSpend some time discussing these questions as a family:

1. How did Jesus speak to your heart during the silent time of adoring the Cross?2. Discuss which Station of the Cross is most meaningful to you and why.3. Why is today called Good Friday?4. Describe how you feel having an empty chair symbolizing the absence of Christ.

Evening PrayerSung Chant for Good Friday

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Morning PrayerThe Office of Readings for Holy Saturday includes an ancient homily describing what Jesus did from

the moment of His death on Good Friday until His resurrection from the tomb. Three readers should

be assigned to help pray it.

RecipeEaster Story Cookies

ActivityEaster egg coloring

Make your own Paschal Candle

Discussion & Journal1. While Jesus lay in the tomb, what do you think His disciples were doing?

2. Think about Peter. How do you think He felt knowing He had denied Jesus?

3. What are some resolutions you can make today for how to show Jesus that you love Him and

to live better as His disciple?

4. Make a family list of the ways you can be a better disciple and live in the love of Jesus in your

daily lives. Keep these in your family journal.

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Easter Vigil Livestream Mass at 8:30pm.

Participate in the AOD’s Easter Vigil Livestream Mass at 9pm.

This is the day when Jesus lay silently in the tomb. We reflect on the significance of Jesus’ death and anticipate His resurrection. This is also the evening when the Church celebrates the Easter Vigil, baptizing and welcoming into the Church Her new members.

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RecipeEaster Blossom Bread

Spiritual CommunionParticipate in OLGC’s Easter Sunday Livestream Mass at 9:30am.Participate in the AOD’s Easter Sunday Livestream Mass at 12noon.

Alternatively, you can hold a reading service at home for spiritual communion.

Prayer Service at HomeP R E P A R A T I O NHead of Household:

• Gather every family member’s Baptismal Candle.• Gather a candle holder for each Baptismal Candle.• Secure a large candle or use the Paschal Candle you made Holy Saturday for the Easter Family

Liturgy. This candle symbolizes Christ who is the Light of the World.• Matches/lighter.• Music (links below).• Have artwork/photo of the Risen Jesus (see photo at end of this guide or print one out online).• Plan Easter meal after the end during which you discuss questions provided.

Children/Family Members:• Prepare the prayer space: Bible, Rosary, Crucifix, holy cards, and the word “ALLELUIA” written

on a piece of paper.

All: Begin at the empty chair with Cross in it. Light the large candle.

R E N E W A L O F B A P T I S M A L P R O M I S E SAll: Make the sign of the cross and renew baptismal promises together.Readable Version.Video Version.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

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All: Bless each other on the forehead by making the Sign of the Cross saying, “I bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Head of Household: Light each person’s Baptismal Candle. While lighting say, “This light of Christ is to be kept burning brightly in your lives as a light to a world in darkness. Christ is our light, He is the light that the darkness will never overcome.” After each candle is lit, place them in a candle holder.

Opening Song: Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

Head of Household: The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia! To him be glory and power for all ages of eternity.

All: Alleluia, Alleluia!

Head of Household: Remove the Cross from the Empty Chair and place in the chair artwork/photo of the Risen Jesus symbolizing that He is now present in our midst and risen from the dead!

L I T U R G Y O F T H E W O R DFirst ReadingReader One: Read Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43.

Reader One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial PsalmPsalm 118

Reader Two: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Reader Two: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”

All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

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Reader Two: “The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.”

All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Reader Two: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.

All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Second ReadingReader One: A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians. Colossians 3:1-4.

Reader One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

SequenceListen or Recite the Easter Sequence, the Prayer of the Church announcing Christ’s Death and Resurrection.

Listen: Latin or English.

Recite (Reader Two): Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer your thankful praises! A lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who is sinless, reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous; the Prince of life, who died is raised and reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring what you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living, the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection; bright angels attesting, the shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is risen; to Galilee he goes before you.” Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining, have mercy victor King, ever reigning!

All: Amen. Alleluia.

GospelHead of Household: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. John 20:1-9.

Head of Household: The Gospel of the Lord.

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All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Song: Alleluia.

All: Say the Prayer of Spiritual Communion.

Closing Song: Sing and/or listen to the song Christ is Risen from the Dead by Matt Maher.

Closing Meal, Discussion, & JournalPlace the Divine Mercy photo of the Risen Jesus at the center of your meal table. Claim your house for Christ by placing one in your front window or door (see the Risen Jesus photo at the end of the guide). Spend some time discussing these questions as a family:

1. Describe your thoughts and feelings around Jesus being risen from the dead.2. Discuss the ways in which the lighting of your baptismal candles connects to the Risen Christ.3. Now that Jesus is present and in your midst, what might you say or do to thank Him?4. How does the resurrection of Jesus from the dead change our life today?

We will be celebrating the Octave of Easter together. Be ready for your guide to Easter!

He is risen! He is risen indeed!