Church of the Home for Saturday, April 19
- Resurrection
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
The cross of Christ stands empty on this Holy Saturday.
In stillness, earth awaits the Resurrection while Christ goes down to wake the dead.
We patiently wait for the joy of the Resurrection.
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet reflection and anticipation for Catholic families. It marks the end of Lent and the period of mourning following Good Friday. On this day, the faithful remember Jesus lying in the tomb after his crucifixion. Many families observe Holy Saturday by attending the Easter Vigil, which is the most solemn and significant liturgy of the year. The vigil includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ rising from the darkness of death. It's a time for families to come together in prayer and contemplation, preparing their hearts for the joy of Easter.
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad.
Happy Easter
from your Resurrection Parish Family
May the Easter promise of Life Eternal and Love Everlasting
bring you blessings of love, joy, and life to the fullest.
Together as the people of the Resurrection, we rejoice!
Easter, as the central feast in the Christian liturgical calendar, embodies several profound themes that highlight its importance. These themes not only reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ but also on the broader implications for humanity and individual believers.
Here are the key themes associated with Easter:
Renewal and Rebirth: Easter represents a time of new beginnings, spiritual renewal, and the rebirth of faith, encouraging Christians to revitalize their lives in the light of Christ's resurrection.
Eternal Life: The resurrection of Jesus paves the way for believers to eternal life with God, emphasizing the theme of hope for the future beyond death.
Joy and Celebration: Celebrating the joy of Jesus' resurrection, Easter is a time of festivity, marked by joyous liturgies, music, and the proclamation of the "Alleluia," conveying the happiness of salvation.
Community and Unity: Easter unites the Christian community in worship and celebration, highlighting unity in Christ and the shared experience of faith and resurrection.
Transformation and Conversion: Reflecting on the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection, Easter inspires believers to turn away from sin and embrace a life transformed by God's grace.
ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CHURCH OF THE HOME
Easter Vigil and Mass: Attending the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday Mass is a central activity. These services are filled with beautiful hymns, readings, and rituals that celebrate the resurrection. It's a great way for families to come together in faith and worship.
Easter Egg Hunts: Organize an Easter egg hunt in your backyard or local park. You can fill the eggs with religious symbols, Bible verses, or small treats. This activity symbolizes new life and the joy of the resurrection.
Crafts and Decorations: Engage in Easter-themed crafts such as making resurrection rolls, creating Easter cards, or decorating the home with symbols of the resurrection like crosses and lilies.
Family Prayer Time: Set aside time for family prayer, focusing on the themes of Easter. You can use special Easter prayers or read passages from the Bible that recount the resurrection story.
Easter Feast: Prepare a festive meal with traditional Easter foods. Involve the whole family in cooking and setting the table. This can be a wonderful time to share stories and reflect on the significance of Easter.
Service Activities: Participate in community service or charitable activities. Helping others is a great way to embody the spirit of Easter and teach children about compassion and generosity.
KEEP EASTER ALIVE BEYOND SUNDAY
After Easter Sunday, we can continue to embrace the joy and happiness of Easter within ourselves and our family churches. Easter spans 50 days, offering a time of celebration not only on Easter day and week but every day. The spiritual lessons learned during Lent can be extended throughout the entire joyous Easter season. Here are a few more ways to keep that spirit alive.
Prayer
Lent is one of the most significant liturgical seasons for prayer, and this spirit can be maintained throughout the 50 days leading up to Pentecost and beyond. Choose one or more practices, and pray daily with dedication to the Lord for your intentions and those of others.
Celebrate New Life
Engaging in activities like planting flowers, wearing vibrant clothing, and celebrating the newness of the season helps keep Easter alive in your heart and for your family. Live each day joyfully, knowing the resurrection of Christ is a reality you are experiencing. This mindset is not just for the Easter season but for every day of your life.
Keep the Almsgiving Going
Almsgiving is a wonderful way to give back to God's people. While many increase their giving during Lent, continuing this practice through Easter and beyond aligns with God's heart. Consider ways to serve and give back to others, embracing the spirit of giving and the joy of Easter.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 8:00 on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Happy Easter! We emerge from our Lenten journey ready to embrace new life and shedding the past burdens and old habits. Let us allow God to continue to change us and bring about a deeper sense of renewal and joy. Join Sr. Marla as she reflects on the Easter scriptures.
Auditio Divina
Drawing upon the steps of Lectio Divina, Auditio Divina brings this ancient prayer practice into today’s world. It breaks open the lyrics of modern songs to help individuals listen with heart.Â
Katie and Tony break open the song "Live Forever" by Willie Nelson
for Easter Sunday.
Lyrics:
I'm gonna live forever
I'm gonna cross that river
I'm gonna catch tomorrow now
You're gonna wanna hold me
Just like I always told you
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Recent Losses in Our Parish Family
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Ruby and Res
Ruby may be trying to get her Easter outfit ready but all she can think about is the candy in her Easter basket.
