“Then they came to a place called Gethesmane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter, James, and John and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch.’” (Mark 14:32-34)
Throughout Holy Week, let us be vigilant and keep watch. As we hear of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice for our souls, may we yearn to completely unite our own suffering with his.
The Fruitful Hollow team has outlined some preparations, traditions and events that you can take part in at home and in church to keep the focus on Christ this week. Here’s what to look out for on The Fruitful Hollow website and blog as you fully dive into Holy Week.
Monday, April 11th
Suggested Resource: Spring Clean Your Life (spiritually, emotionally and physically)
Action
Planning ahead: after reading the blog, gather what you will need to create your own paschal candle.
Planning ahead: write down a list of three churches near to you and find out when they are open this week.
Planning ahead: find out when you can receive the sacrament of Reconciliation at your parish this week.
Utilize the resource above and "Spring Clean your Life". Prepare for this week by creating space spiritually, emotionally and physically for Christ.
Tuesday, April 18th
Suggested Resource: Preparing Your Heart For Social Gatherings
Action
Planning ahead: after reading the blog, reach out to family and friends and see if anyone is interested in joining you for the Holy Thursday pilgrimage.
Planning ahead: work through the suggested resource and prepare your heart for the upcoming Easter celebrations.
Create your family paschal candle. (We’d love it if you shared a photo of your candle with us! @TheFruitfulHollow)
"Spy Wednesday”, April 13th
NEW Instagram Reel: Family Tradition; Washing of the Feet
On the blog: Spy Wednesday: a closer look at Judas in the Gospels
Action
Do an Examination of Conscience. If you don’t have an Examination of Conscience that you’re used to using, you can find one on the Catholic Confession Guide, Hallow, and Laudate apps.
Make a plan to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter if you haven’t already done so during Lent.
Planning ahead: Gather the materials suggested in our Instagram Reel for the family tradition; washing of the feet.
“In preparation for Holy Week, I suggest taking a serious look at our own sinful and toxic behaviors. Ponder a need for a savior. This exercise makes us appreciate Jesus’ sacrificial love for us while we were still enemies by sin.” (Father Christohper Shackelford)
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), April 14th
NEW Blog post: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (by Lauren Allen)
Action
Make a personal pilgrimage to three different churches and spend time there in prayer and adoration. If you cannot travel to churches in person, we have listed some virtual options all over the world in our Tuesday blog post “A Holy Thursday tradition: church visitation”.
Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Read today’s Gospel at home as a family and wash each other’s feet as a symbolic act of servitude.
Good Friday, April 15th
Due to the somber nature of this day, we will not be posting on the blog. However, we recommend diving deeper into Good Friday in some of the following ways.
Action
Attend a solemn liturgy at your church.
Participate in Veneration of the Cross.
Pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
Pray the Infertility Stations of the Cross.
Holy Saturday, April 16th
Due to the somber nature of this day, we will not be posting on the blog. However, please join us in praying for our brothers and sisters who are preparing to enter into the beautiful Catholic Church.
Easter Sunday, April 17th
“Then the angel said to the woman in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as He said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.” Behold, I have told you.’ Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples.” (Matthew 28:5-8)
Happy Easter!