In my previous life directing formation programs for children, youth and families at Episcopal churches, this has long been my busiest time of year, with countless hours spent preparing for the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter and all the special activities that go along with them. Having left parish ministry at the beginning of March 2020, I did not anticipate how different Holy Week and Easter would be, for all of us.

To that end, I’ve written a series of posts for households with or without children, that are simple ideas for observing Holy Week at home. In spite of everything, and just when we need it most, the stone will be rolled away from the tomb, Easter will come, and it is possible, perhaps even likely, that this year we will feel the mystery of the resurrection even more powerfully.

Palm Sunday with palms or without, and imaginative prayer

Maundy Thursday, with a simple foot-washing service and some thoughts about bread

Good Friday, with good theology and a recipe for hot cross buns

Holy Saturday, with ideas for the waiting

The Great Vigil, with one household or several

Easter, with butterflies and an invitation to new life

May we know that God is with us in this holy and tender time.

Wendy Claire Barrie is the author of Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents.