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Lent

Holy Week: Entering the Passion Story

As we journey through this holiest of weeks, and especially the Triduum, I invite you to reflect and respond to one or both of the following questions: Which character(s) in the Passion story do you find most intriguing  (whether they are inspiring or tragic) and why? If you could paint a picture or create a sculpture of one moment in the story of Christ’s Passion, what would it be and why? I invite you to share […]

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Easter

Our Triumphant Holy Day!

As we celebrate this sacred Triduum and move into the Easter season, I extend my sincerest best wishes and prayers to all who enjoy the privilege of proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus in the catechetical ministry. Together, on this Easter morning, we sing: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! […]

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Joe's Comings and Goings

Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Last evening, my wife and I attended Holy Thursday Mass at Ascension Parish in Oak Park, IL. What a rich, beautiful, and moving experience! A profound beginning to the Triduum experience! The Washing of the Feet is particularly profound since all in the congregation are invited to come forward and wash one another’s feet. Families often come up together to wash one another’s feet. Joanne and I take advantage of this opportunity to wash each […]

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Newsworthy

Spy Wednesday

On Monday night, I was telling my class about the Triduum and one of the boys asked, “what are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday called?” in light of the fact that we have Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. I told him that those 3 days don’t really have a name other than being part of Holy Week. I forgot that Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday! As a kid, […]

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Lent

Lent: 40 Ideas for 40 Days!

Last year, during Lent, I offered 40 ideas in 40 days – 40 creative ways to engage those you teach in the mystery of the Lenten season. This year, I am happy to provide all 40 of those ideas in one convenient list with links to each of their descriptions! Enjoy and please share with me (us) how you’re using these ideas and any variations or ideas of your own that you’ve come up with!!! […]

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Easter

Easter Blessings!

I wish you a very Blessed Easter season!!! May the grace of the Risen Lord be with you always! Experiencing the Triduum was a blessing as always. Holy Thursday and Good Friday were at St. Julie Billiart parish in Tinley Park and the Easter Vigil was at St. Clement in Chicago. All were celebrated with great reverence, style, and grace, and the the richness of the sacramentality of these days filled all of my senses. […]

Lenten Activities

40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: Triduum Triptychs

Here’s another Lenten activity that is a good opportunity for catechists to prepare young people for Holy Week. It is from the Christ Our Life series (grade 8). Triduum Triptychs Have the young people fold a sheet of construction paper into three equal parts. While the paper is folded, have them cut the top of it into the shape of an arch. At the top of each section, have them write the name of the […]

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Lenten Activities

40/40 – Lenten Activities: Unjust Punishment

This Lenten activity is most appropriate for Holy Week and comes from the grade 5 Finding God catechist guide. Unjust Punishment During the Triduum, we recall that Jesus was falsely arrested, accused, and unjustly convicted and executed. Today there are people in various parts of the world who suffer similar injustice. An organization called Amnesty International (AI) works to promote internationally recognized human rights. AI also regularly produces case studies that have been specifically designed for young […]