Meet Fr. Mike Schmitz. He shares suggestions for how prayer can bring you closer to Christ this Holy Week.

Meet Jackie Angel. She shares why her faith is an important part of her life and how it brings her closer to God.

Traditional palms will be available at St. Michael church, but here is a creative way to bring the tradition of creating something from palms home during Holy Week.

Each grade level has been provided a different variation, so the craft is developmentally appropriate for the students' ages.

This link to a website will assist your family in creating "palm branches". Branches can be created with any kind of paper: this is a great time for creativity! Children can use regular paper and color the palms, find pictures in old magazines with lots of green, or use colorful scrapbook paper! Don't have Popsicle sticks? Use a straw or chopstick!

Suggestions given to older students were to write messages or scripture verses on the palms. Perhaps the palms can be used as Holy Week decorations around your house. What a nice treat - every time you see a palm around the house, you'll be greeted with one of your child's loving messages!

Another idea is to decorate your front door - connect with other Catholics in your community this Holy Week. Ideas for sharing & displaying palms can be found with this link.

Just as Jesus and His disciples journeyed to Jerusalem, take a family journey outside! We spend a lot of time inside right now with distance learning opportunities for students or parents continuing to collaborate with colleagues. Use this time tonight to get some fresh air during a cool, evening walk as a family.

While you're on your walk, use the opportunity to discuss what you learned in today's videos - either from Fr. Noe or about Palm Sunday. Family reflections together can help each member Grow In Christ.

And don't forget to share some nuggets of wisdom from your own retreat time today - what plan can your family make about praying during Holy Week from Fr. Mike's video? How can you share the joy of being Catholic with your children from Jackie Angel's video?

Spread the love during your walk: bring sidewalk chalk and leave inspirational messages of love and hope as you go!

Click the image to the right for your perspectives on today's prayers and lessons.

Your feedback will help us continue to provide meaningful Holy Week reflections for growth for our St. Michael family.