Children's Holy Week: An encounter with Jesus through dynamics and act – Librería Paulinas

Holy Week is the heart of the liturgical year. It is a time of grace in which we commemorate the most significant moments of Jesus' life: his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is the great journey of faith, where God's love becomes more visible in every sign, rite, and word of the Gospel. But how can we bring this experience closer to children and those who accompany them on their journey of faith?
From the Pauline Church, we have created the book "Children's Holy Week," which is a gateway to this profound, creative, and festive experience of the Lord's Passover. Parents, teachers, and catechists will find in this book a simple and enriching guide to making this week a special time, where children can discover with wonder and joy the great mystery of God's love. Through symbols, rituals, activities, and prayers, they will be able to immerse themselves in the Paschal mystery and make it part of their own lives.

A tour of the holy days:

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry. A sea of green palms waves in the wind. Jesus enters Jerusalem! Children, holding palms, can relive this moment with hosanna songs and hopeful processions. A special activity could involve children making their own palms and organizing a small procession while reciting phrases of welcome to Jesus in their hearts. This special prayer can help them welcome Jesus into their lives:

Friend Jesus, you came to show us that you are the servant of all. You enter Jerusalem as King, but on a simple and humble donkey, because you are not a King like any other. The days of your surrender are about to begin, where you will fulfill the Father's will. Like the children who acclaimed you in Jerusalem, we too say to you: Hosanna, you are our Lord and Savior! Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 18

Holy Monday: The Perfume of Love. Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume. It is the gesture of one who loves without measure. A dynamic could be held with aromas and essences so that children associate the sweet smell with prayer and good deeds that please God. Children could also be invited to write a letter to Jesus expressing how they wish to show their love for Him.

Thank you, friend Jesus, because I know you are present in the churches, chapels, and oratories where you hear our prayers, and we can converse with you and recognize how much you love us. We humbly ask you to grant us an open and generous heart, capable of responding to your infinite love. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 27

Holy Tuesday: The Light of Truth. Jesus courageously teaches us the truth. Through a play of light and shadow, children will be able to understand how the truth illuminates our lives. A dynamic could be set up in which each child lights a candle or candle, symbolizing the truth of God shining in their hearts. A moment of reflection on the Word of God will strengthen their trust in Him.

Friend Jesus, we thank you for every moment of our lives and for every decision we must make throughout our daily journeys. We ask that you grant us the courage to follow you without fear, with joy and much love. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 35

Holy Wednesday: The Price of Betrayal. Judas sells Jesus for a few coins. What does loyalty mean? A simple puppet show can help children reflect on the value of true friendship and fidelity to God. You could also conduct an activity in which children write commitments of sincere friendship and place them in a symbolic treasure box.

Friend Jesus, I want to ask your forgiveness for all the times I have failed you and my neighbor. Help me to be like you, who forgives everything and is full of infinite mercy. I thank you, dear Father God, because you love us so much that you gave us your own Son. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 43

Holy Thursday: the institution of the Eucharist. Jesus breaks bread and washes his disciples' feet. A reenactment of the Last Supper could be organized, in which children share bread and grapes, learning the value of the Eucharist. A gesture of service could be for children to symbolically wash the hands of their classmates to express fraternal love. A family prayer before the Tabernacle will reinforce the importance of self-giving and service.

Friend Jesus, you chose to remain among us forever in the bread and wine, which are your Body and Blood. By washing the feet of your friends, you wanted to teach us that we must always be at the service of others, especially the poorest and most needy. Give us, friend Jesus, a heart that is ever greater, to love everyone as you love us. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 57

Good Friday: The Cross of Love. Jesus' love is a love that gives itself to the extreme. You could have an activity in which each child writes a difficulty or sadness on a piece of paper and places it at the foot of a cross as a sign of trust in Jesus. A moment of silence and personal prayer will help them appreciate his sacrifice.

Friend Jesus, you know us and love us deeply, since you gave your life for all of us. Thank you for your great and immeasurable love. Forgive us for the times we do not do your will. We pray for all who suffer: the sick, abandoned children, the elderly, the displaced. Help them, friend Jesus, from your Cross. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 68

Holy Saturday: the most fruitful silence. A day of waiting, of silence filled with hope. Children could be invited to hold a vigil with lit candles and prayers for those awaiting a miracle in their lives. Through a drawing activity, they can represent how they imagine the joy of the Resurrection. A prayer with Mary will allow them to live this day with faith and hope.

Friend Jesus, at Easter you teach us that life triumphs over death. With your dedication to the end, you fulfilled the Father's will and showed us that fidelity comes through the Cross. Help us to be faithful and always trust in you. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 83

Easter Sunday: Jesus Lives! The bells ring with joy, bursting with color and song. The resurrection is the great news that changes history. You could organize a treasure hunt in which children look for messages of hope hidden in different places. A joyful celebration with balloons and songs will help them express the joy of the Risen Lord. A festive prayer will be the icing on the cake for this great day.

Friend Jesus, we rejoice because you have conquered death; you have risen and opened the path of life. Thank you, friend Jesus, because we know that one day we will also rise with you and live forever. We rejoice with Mary, your beloved Mother, Mother of the whole Church. Amen.

Children's Holy Week, p. 94

This Holy Week is not just a memory, but a living experience, capable of transforming the heart. Our book, "Children's Holy Week," is a key to unlocking this mystery for children and their companions in faith. Through symbols, rituals, games, and prayers, children can immerse themselves in God's love and make Easter a celebration that illuminates their lives.