Fr. Edward Looney: Celebrating Holy Week With Your Family During Quarantine

Each year as a priest I look forward to the celebration of Holy Week. The same is true this year, even though it will be a somber Holy Week, one like none other. Maybe your family has Holy Week or Easter traditions. How can we still mark Holy Week with faith and devotion during such a troubling and difficult time? Here’s a few suggestions.

People love Palm Sunday. You would go to Mass like any other Sunday, but Palm Sunday was different. Instead of just one gospel, two are read, one before Mass and then the long Passion narrative. And who doesn’t love the blessed palm branches you get to take home after Mass. During Mass, maybe kids tickle each other with the end or bother their brother or sister. Or the artistic person makes crosses and other décor from the branches. Then you go home and place the palm branch somewhere in the home, maybe behind a picture. Inquire with your local parish if the palm branches will be made available. If they are, see how you can acquire them, and place the branches together as a family. If not, find any branch outside and use it as a substitute for the time being. The palm branch reminds us of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as a King. On Palm Sunday, give Jesus permission to be the king of your family and home.  ….

Read more here:  catholicexchange.com/celebrating-holy-week-with-your-family-during-quarantine