What is Holy Week?

What is Holy Week?

Holy means “set apart.” Christians set apart an entire week—Holy Week—to recall the events surrounding the suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Find information and activities for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

  • When you think about everything Jesus went through during Holy Week, what do you think He was trying to teach us most about love?
    Follow-up: How can we show that kind of love to someone this week?
  • If you had been one of Jesus' disciples during Holy Week, what do you think you would have been feeling?
    Follow-up: Would you have found it easy or difficult to trust God during those events? Why?
  • Holy Week reminds us that God can bring hope out of even the hardest situations. Have you ever experienced something difficult that later helped you grow or brought unexpected blessings?
    Follow-up: How can we remember to trust God when life feels uncertain?
  • As we prepare to celebrate Easter, what is one thing you would like to thank Jesus for, and what is one way you can grow closer to Him this week?
    Follow-up: Is there a small act of kindness, prayer, or forgiveness our family can practice together before Easter?

Holy Week, prepare our hearts to walk with Jesus. Help us move from the joyful cries of Palm Sunday through the profound sacrifice of the cross, into the glorious hope of the resurrection. Draw us close to your boundless mercy during these sacred days.

  • Walking through Holy Week as a family
  • The Ultimate Guide for Celebrating Holy Week With Kids!
  • Palm Sunday
  • Wave Palms: Make or weave paper palm branches, read the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem, and parade around the house shouting "Hosanna."
  • Display Symbols: Place blessed palms or green branches in common rooms or around the dinner table.
  • Holy Thursday
  • Foot Washing: Take turns washing each other's feet to model Christ’s example of humble service.
  • The Last Supper Meal: Share a simple family dinner with flatbread and grape juice or a traditional Passover-style meal.
  • Attend Service: Go to your local church's evening Mass or service together.
  • Good Friday 
  • Screen-Free Silence: Turn off non-essential electronics, limit background noise, and keep the afternoon quiet and reflective.
  • Stations of the Cross: Pray or walk through the Stations of the Cross as a family.
  • Venerate the Cross: Set up a family crucifix in a central spot to spend time in prayer and gratitude.
  • Holy Saturday
  • Quiet Waiting: Keep the day solemn and slow, focusing on quiet family walks or preparations.
  • Resurrection Cookies: Bake hollow cookies on Saturday night so children can discover the empty center on Easter morning.
  • Prep for Easter: Dye eggs, set the festive dining table, and get ready for the joy of Sunday.