Objective: The family will be able to describe each day of Holy Week and what we remember each day of Triduum. They will also be able to explain how Jesus shows us how to love through suffering, sacrifice, and victory.


Materials Needed: a wash basin with water, drawing paper, a crucifix.


Opening Prayer: Invite a family member to lead the prayer. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

Lord Jesus,

As we enter Holy Week, help us walk with You.

Open our hearts to understand Your love,

Give us courage to stay with You in difficult moments,

And fill us with joy at the Resurrection.

Amen.


Parent leader opens the In Home by saying the following:

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. During this week we remember:

  • Jesus entering Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
  • The Washing of the Feet and The Last Supper (Holy Thursday)
  • Jesus’ suffering and death (Good Friday)
  • The Resurrection (Easter Sunday)


Invite different family members (if you have older children) to read the following Scripture passages:

  • Matthew 21:1–11---After reading, ask: What does this passage describe? Ask: Which day of Holy Week do we remember Jesus coming into Jerusalem? (Palm Sunday).
  • John 13: 1-15---After reading, ask: What does Jesus do in this passage? (washes the feet of his disciples). Ask: What day of Holy Week do we remember the washing of the feet? (Holy Thursday).
  • Luke 22:14–20---After reading, ask: What is Jesus doing with his friends? (eating the Last Supper). Which day do we remember the Last Supper? (Holy Thursday but also every Sunday at Mass)
  • Mark 15: 22-32---After reading, ask:  What happened to Jesus? (he was crucified). Ask: What day to we remember Jesus’ Crucifixion? (Good Friday). Ask: Why do you think it is called “Good Friday”? (Because Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that one day we will be with him in heaven.)
  • John 20:1–18---After reading, ask: What did Jesus do that amazed the disciples? (He rose from the dead) Ask: (To whom did Jesus first appear after he rose from the dead? (Mary Magdalene). Ask: What day do we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection? (Easter Sunday.)


Watch the following videos. Choose the one that is most appropriate for your child/ren.

Elementary Age Children:

After watching the video, use the following questions for discussion:

  • Why did people wave palms for Jesus?
  • Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?
  • How did Jesus show love on the cross?
  • Why is Easter happy?


Middle School Age Children:

Discussion for Middle School:

  • What in your life needs cleaning out?
  • When have you felt betrayed?
  • In what ways can you serve others?
  • Why do we call Good Friday “good”?


High School Age Children

Discussion for High School:

  • What does the Cross reveal about the seriousness of sin?
  • How does Jesus redefine power during Holy Week?
  • Why is the Resurrection essential to Christianity?
  • Where do you personally struggle to trust God in suffering?


Activity: Invite each person in the family to choose a day of Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Sunday) Have each family member draw the event that we remember on that day during Mass. Put the drawings of the days in order on the table. Then discuss using the following questions:

  • Which day feels hardest?
  • Which day gives you the most hope?


Re-read John 13:1–15. After reading, the parent washes the feet of the children. Then the children wash the feet of the parents. After washing the feet of the family members, discuss the activity using the following questions:

  • How did it feel?
  • Why would Jesus do something so humble?


Activity: Place a crucifix in the center of your table (or area where you are completing the In Home Lesson). Invite each family member to answer the following questions:

  • Jesus, thank You for ______.
  • Jesus, help me carry ______.
  • Jesus, I trust You with ______.


After completing all the activities discuss the following questions:

  • What part of Holy Week is hardest to think about?
  • Why didn’t the apostles understand what Jesus was doing?
  • What does Jesus’ sacrifice tell us about our worth?
  • How can we walk with Jesus this week instead of rushing to Easter?
  • What is one way our family can live Holy Week more intentionally?


Closing Prayer: Invite a family member to lead the closing prayer. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

Prayer Leader:

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You,

Because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.


Then pray an Our Father and Hail Mary together.


Optional: Holy Week Family Challenge

Choose one of the Holy Week liturgies to attend and take a picture of your family and send it to Amy Bolle at abolle@smcatholicschools.org

  • Palm Sunday Mass (5pm, 7:30am, 9:30)
  • Holy Thursday 6:30pm
  • Good Friday 1pm
  • Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday 8:15pm)
  • Easter Sunday 7:30am and 9:30am

March In Home Questionnaire