Celebrating the Light of Christ and the Easter Vigil

Paschal candles

Recently, I received an e-mail from a fourth-grade catechist, Gail, who hails from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In it, she shared a very nice idea for making Paschal candles in preparation for the Easter Vigil. Here is how she goes about doing this easy project.

Hello Joe,

Celebrating the Light of Christ and the Easter Vigil:

I have used Pringles (potato chips) cans for my students to make their own version of the Paschal candle.

I used 11 x 14 white paper, cut to fit the tube can. The students decorate the candle with markers, cross stickers, stick-on jewels, etc.

I cut a small X slit in the center of the lid and we push a bit of orange, red, or yellow tissue paper through to form the flame.

I encourage the students to write notes of prayer, or what the light of Christ means to them etc.,  and they can store them in their candles.

All the best,
Gail

Thanks for sharing, Gail. I might suggest that the students copy the pattern that is actually found on the Paschal candle. Here is a nice description of what that looks like.

As we move closer to the Easter Vigil, don’t forget to download my PowerPoint presentation on Holy Week and Easter.

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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