Parents,

We thank you for your continued encouragement and participation as a family during this significant time, which serves as a family activity in coordination with St. John the Baptist Faith Formation classes. The At Home Family Lessons are a short lesson for parents and their children to learn together.  One week, they will study the lesson presented by the Diocese. The next online class will be an introduction to one of the many facets of our Catholic traditions, faith, or prayers.  They are a great way to share your faith for a better understanding.  

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, I humbly come before You this Holy Week, reflecting on Your great sacrifice. Fill my heart with deep gratitude for the love that held You to the cross. Help me to understand Your suffering, embrace humility, and live a life that glorifies Your name. Strengthen my faith and guide my actions to reflect Your compassion and mercy. May my heart always remember Your sacrifice and share Your love with others. Amen.

Summary

For Catholics, Holy Week is the most important week of the year. It is a time to remember the final days of Jesus’ life, His sacrifice, and His victory over death. Spiritually, it invites us to slow down, reflect, and grow closer to God.

Here is the meaning in simple terms:

• Palm Sunday 🌿 – We remember when Jesus entered Jerusalem and people welcomed Him as a king. It reminds us to ask: Do I truly welcome Jesus into my life?

• Holy Thursday 🍞 – We remember the Last Supper, when Jesus gave us the Eucharist and showed us how to serve others by washing His disciples’ feet. It teaches us about humility, love, and service.

• Good Friday ✝️ – We remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. It shows how much God loves us and calls us to reflect on sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy.

• Easter 🌅 – Jesus rises from the dead! This is the celebration that love and life are stronger than sin and death.

Closing Prayer

Prayer to Jesus Crucified

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus

while before Your face I humbly kneel and,

with burning soul,

pray and beseech You

to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments

of faith, hope, and charity;

true contrition for my sins,

and a firm purpose of amendment.

While I contemplate,

with great love and tender pity,

Your five most precious wounds,

pondering over them within me

and calling to mind the words which David,

Your prophet, said to You, my Jesus:

"They have pierced My hands and My feet,

they have numbered all My bones."