Holy Week Activities with the Kids

After our Palm Sunday feast, our mood turns more prayerful as we prepare for the holiest week of the year.  It's hard for young children to quietly mediate, pray, and fast; so we have adapted our activities to suit their ages and abilities.

Stations of the Cross
I found this neat Stations of the Cross coloring booklet on catholicmom.com.  I have the boys color them in, then we post them on the wall, starting at the bottom of the stairs and ending in our upstairs hallway.  That way, when we pray the Stations (or merely meditate upon the images), we feel like we are climbing up to Calvary with Jesus.

On Good Friday, we head up to our local Abbey to pray at their outdoor Stations of the Cross.  

Corporal Works of Mercy
During the year, the boys collect change for our family's "Poor Box."  During Holy Week, the boys put the money they've saved into our parish's Poor Box.

We also gather clothes, books, and toys to deliver to a local homeless shelter during Holy Week.

Holy Saturday Hike
This year, we're starting the tradition of a hike on Holy Saturday.  Aside from the symbolism of Jesus' trek up to Calvary, we feel that it would be a prayerful experience to unplug and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Easter Story Cookies
During the evening of Holy Saturday, the boys and I make these Easter Story cookies while my husband reads the corresponding Bible verses.

Watching Movies
If the boys watch TV during Holy Week, we prefer that they watch Catholic shows and movies.  Some of our favorites are The Ten Commandments (animated), The Miracle Maker, and At Jesus' Side.