Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter Triduum activities for parents, children

In the Catholic, Orthodox, some other Christian traditions, the penitential season of Lent is concluded with Palm Sunday leading into Holy Week and culminating on Easter Sunday. This most sacred and somber week includes the Easter Triduum, with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday or Easter Vigil. I converted to Catholicism 19 years ago and homeschooled our four children for 10 years. My children tell me that some of their favorite memories center on our Holy Week observances. Our annual "give up for lent" had far-reaching positive impacts. For families looking for the full Palm Sunday-to-Easter experience, here are missionary outreach activities from my journey to guide you. These activities have merit for non-Catholics, as they help bring families closer together. They raise awareness, develop empathy and teach compassion. Some kids missions activities count toward school required student volunteer service credit hours. Read more at Holy Week, Easter activities for parents and children 

Free Printable Palm Sunday Crafts, Lessons and Coloring Activities

Palm Sunday, in the Christian faith, celebrates the Biblical triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem one week before His crucifixion. It begins Holy Week and the countdown to Easter. Palm Sunday is a floating holiday; linked as it is to Lent and Easter which fall at a different time each year. Here are crafts, coloring and activities for parents to use with children. Use as lessons in homeschool, Christian school, Sunday school or Catholic religious education. These printables provide inexpensive, hands-on ways to explore and celebrate the Palm Sunday. Free Printable Palm Sunday Crafts, Coloring, Activities

Easter Egg Countdown and Devotional Craft -- A Spiritual Journey

 For many of us, Lent is a journey on the 'Via Dolarosa', the way of sorrows which Our Lord took on His way to the cross. Easter, then is a celebration of the Passion, death, resurrection and triumph of Christ. For us, Easter is a New Birth.

St. Patrick, St. Francis of Assisi and other saints used many symbols to help us understand mysteries of faith. The egg has long been a wonderful spiritual symbol of our Triune God. With the yolk hidden inside we think of the Holy Spirit; the white is between the yolk and the shell and that reminds us that Jesus went between God and Man; Lastly Our Heavenly Father Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent, like the shell which surrounds the egg. Here's a special Easter basket and Easter egg craft that follows the Stations of the Cross with symbols and scripture readings. It's a perfect Lenten calendar countdown.

Free Printable Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter Triduum, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday Coloring Page

The Easter Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday and continues through Good Friday and Easter Vigil or Holy Saturday. Here are free printable coloring pages to help children explore the Easter Triduum. These coloring pages could be used anytime during lent from Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Print them to make a family devotional or activity booklet. Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring Pages: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

Recycle Bin Craft Activities for Lent, Easter and Passover

I've discussed recycled materials in several articles. This subject is just so comprehensive, however, that I have loads of other activities to share, using recycled materials. We all know how expensive supplies for any project can be if purchased. I've cleaned and organized Sunday School and daycare craft cupboards and it annoys me to see costly materials wastefully used. (Please pardon the spelling of "diorama" in this article. Don't you just love autocorrect? Because people so often write "di aroma"...) Read more at Lesson Plan and Crafts from Your Recycling Bin for Easter and Passover

Free Printable St Patricks Day Lesson Plans, Irish Catholic history with children

St. Patrick's Day is a feast day, celebrated on March 17, in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Like Valentine's Day, it has also become a major U.S. holiday. Patricus, a Roman Briton was taken from his home (probably in Wales) as a slave, but returned as a bishop to bring Christianity to Ireland. Speaking as a descendant of Irish immigrants, I'd like to see the day celebrated with fewer green shamrocks and more focus on the religious and cultural significance of the holiday. Here are ways to celebrate the man we call St. Patrick and explore Irish traditions with kids. Lots of free printable Catholic, Irish and St. Patty's Day crafts. Read more at Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with children