Color: Red (Wear Red or Decorate with Red)
Theme: Great Love
Note: Even the youngest children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd learn that the color red is for the Holy Spirit (or Pentecost) and Great Love. Whenever we mention that Jesus died for us, we always connect this with His Resurrection. Our children learn that the crucifix (and similarly the Sign of the Cross) reminds us of how much Jesus loves us. After one presentation with first graders at the model altar earlier this school year (which included the crucifix), I invited the children to draw pictures of some of God's gifts for us, and most of them included a crucifix in their drawings.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (which we are working on implementing at St. Charles) favors the image of the "San Damiano Crucifix" (a crucifix connected with the life of St. Francis of Assisi - pictured below) for young children.
Prayer Cards for Good Friday:
Watch the Live Streamed Good Friday Services beginning at 1 pm (Friday, April 10):
The Stations of the Cross:
Printable Stations of the Cross Booklet with Pictures that can be colored (clicking on this link will open up a pdf)
Formed has a Stations of the Cross for Children from the Brother Francis Series (sign up through St. Charles, Hartland). It's difficult to judge age appropriateness on this kind of thing (especially with particular sensitivies of some children), but I wouldn't suggest this for under the age of 8.
My Catholic Life has a nice Stations of the Cross with images of each station along with a recording of prayers, reflections and songs. A good option for praying the Stations together as a family.
Scripture Meditation with Children:
With the youngest children (6 and under or so, depending on sensitivity), I would limit myself to talking about, praying with and reverencing (usually kiss) the crucifix (or even a picture of a crucifix). Reading about the Passion and Death of Jesus is best for a little older (7 and up or so).
Read Mark, Chapter 15
Discussion and Wondering Questions:
What happened in this story? I wonder why?
Could Jesus have escaped from Pilate if He wanted to? Could he have come down from the cross if He wanted to? What did he do?
What happened when Jesus died? Why do you think that happened?
What did the centurion say? Why do you think he said it?
Did you notice anything else?
(Can re-read the Scripture if desired.)
Leave some time for a little silence (no need to hurry the children with answers, no need to come up with answers for them - it is good for them to wonder).
Ask if the children would like to say anything to Jesus.
It may help to ask if there is anything they would like to thank Jesus for.
End with a song.
Again, for those looking for more ideas, don't forget to check out the beautiful Archdiocesan guide: Holy Week in the Domestic Church: An At-Home Guide for Individuals and Families
(PDF will download when you click on the link above.)
Theme: Great Love
Note: Even the youngest children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd learn that the color red is for the Holy Spirit (or Pentecost) and Great Love. Whenever we mention that Jesus died for us, we always connect this with His Resurrection. Our children learn that the crucifix (and similarly the Sign of the Cross) reminds us of how much Jesus loves us. After one presentation with first graders at the model altar earlier this school year (which included the crucifix), I invited the children to draw pictures of some of God's gifts for us, and most of them included a crucifix in their drawings.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (which we are working on implementing at St. Charles) favors the image of the "San Damiano Crucifix" (a crucifix connected with the life of St. Francis of Assisi - pictured below) for young children.
Prayer Cards for Good Friday:
Watch the Live Streamed Good Friday Services beginning at 1 pm (Friday, April 10):
The Stations of the Cross:
Printable Stations of the Cross Booklet with Pictures that can be colored (clicking on this link will open up a pdf)
Formed has a Stations of the Cross for Children from the Brother Francis Series (sign up through St. Charles, Hartland). It's difficult to judge age appropriateness on this kind of thing (especially with particular sensitivies of some children), but I wouldn't suggest this for under the age of 8.
My Catholic Life has a nice Stations of the Cross with images of each station along with a recording of prayers, reflections and songs. A good option for praying the Stations together as a family.
Scripture Meditation with Children:
With the youngest children (6 and under or so, depending on sensitivity), I would limit myself to talking about, praying with and reverencing (usually kiss) the crucifix (or even a picture of a crucifix). Reading about the Passion and Death of Jesus is best for a little older (7 and up or so).
Read Mark, Chapter 15
Discussion and Wondering Questions:
What happened in this story? I wonder why?
Could Jesus have escaped from Pilate if He wanted to? Could he have come down from the cross if He wanted to? What did he do?
What happened when Jesus died? Why do you think that happened?
What did the centurion say? Why do you think he said it?
Did you notice anything else?
(Can re-read the Scripture if desired.)
Leave some time for a little silence (no need to hurry the children with answers, no need to come up with answers for them - it is good for them to wonder).
Ask if the children would like to say anything to Jesus.
It may help to ask if there is anything they would like to thank Jesus for.
End with a song.
Again, for those looking for more ideas, don't forget to check out the beautiful Archdiocesan guide: Holy Week in the Domestic Church: An At-Home Guide for Individuals and Families
(PDF will download when you click on the link above.)
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