JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK
LOWER PRIMARY
1. Retrieval practice
Begin each session by asking children to recall key events of Holy Week from previous lessons (eg, Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Good Friday). Use simple prompts like, ‘What happened when Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem?’
Create a ‘Holy Week Memory Wall’ where children can place pictures or symbols of events they remember.
Activity: Use a felt board with removable figures representing Holy Week events. Ask children to place the figures on the board as they recall each event. For example, include figures for Jesus riding a donkey, palm branches, the table of the Last Supper, and the cross. Ask children to place the figures on the board in order as they recall each event from memory. Encourage them to share what they remember about each scene.
Scripture reference: Matthew 21:8-9 (Palm Sunday)
2. Spaced practice
Offer daily 10-minute sessions focusing on one Holy Week event at a time, spread across the week. For example:
Day 1: Palm Sunday – Discuss the procession.
Day 2: Holy Thursday – Talk about the Last Supper.
Day 3: Good Friday – Explain Jesus’ sacrifice.
Activity: Daily storytelling sessions focusing on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Use a large storybook with illustrations to enhance engagement.
Resources:
The Week That Led to Easter (Arch Books paperback – 1 January 2001) by Joanne Larrison (author)
Margaret’s First Holy Week (The Pope’s Cat) (paperback – February 5, 2019)
by Jon M Sweeney (author), Roy DeLeon (illustrator)
Variation: Over the course of Holy Week, dedicate a short daily storytelling session to one specific event (eg, Palm Sunday on Monday, Holy Thursday on Wednesday, etc). Use an illustrated storybook to guide the session, ensuring vibrant imagery to hold their attention. Each day, start by briefly reviewing what they learned the previous day.
Scripture reference: Luke 22:19–20 (Last Supper)
3. Dual coding
Show simple illustrations (eg, Jesus entering Jerusalem, the Last Supper) alongside a brief story.
Use picture cards to sequence events and have children narrate what’s happening.
Resources: Resurrection story cards from True Aim Education
Activity: Provide colouring sheets depicting key Holy Week scenes, such as Jesus entering Jerusalem or the Last Supper. Discuss the stories while children colour. As they colour, read aloud the corresponding Bible story and ask simple questions like, ‘Why did the people wave palm branches?’ or ‘What special meal did Jesus share with his friends?’
Scripture reference: John 12:13 (Palm Branches)
4. Elaboration
Ask questions to deepen understanding:
‘Why do you think people waved palm branches?’
‘What does sharing bread and wine mean?’
Encourage children to share their thoughts.
Activity: After reading a story, ask children to act out the events. Provide paper palm branches for them to wave and encourage them to shout, ‘Hosanna!’ Discuss how the people felt when they saw Jesus and how this connects to the joy of welcoming someone special.
Scripture reference: Mark 11:9–10
5. Interleaving
Switch between related topics, such as comparing Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Discuss how the crowd’s feelings about Jesus changed.
Activity: Create a comparison chart with simple symbols. For instance, draw a happy face for Palm Sunday to represent celebration and a sad face for Good Friday to represent sorrow. As a group, discuss how the emotions of the week shift and why these changes are important in understanding Holy Week.
Scripture reference: Luke 23:44–46 (Crucifixion)
6. Concrete examples
Use real palms or craft paper ones for Palm Sunday.
Have a mock ‘Last Supper’ with bread and grape juice to illustrate Holy Thursday.
Create a small wooden cross for Good Friday.
Activity: Organise a mini–Palm Sunday procession around the classroom. Provide each child with paper palms and play a joyful hymn like ‘Hosanna in the Highest’. Explain how Catholics around the world celebrate Palm Sunday in similar ways.
Scripture reference: Matthew 21:8–9
EXPLORING HOLY WEEK
UPPER PRIMARY
1. Retrieval practice
Start sessions with a Holy Week quiz: ‘What do you remember about the Last Supper?’ or ‘Why is Good Friday important?’
Use timeline cards and ask students to arrange events in order.
Resources: Try the Easter story timeline and Holy Week flash cards from Printablee
Activity: Play a ‘Holy Week Jeopardy’ game. Create categories like ‘Palm Sunday’, ‘The Last Supper’, ‘Good Friday’, and ‘Easter Symbols’. Questions could range from simple (eg, ‘What do people wave on Palm Sunday?’) to more challenging (eg, ‘What did Jesus say to his disciples at the Last Supper?’).
Holy Week jeopardy questions:
• Palm Sunday: What did the people shout as Jesus entered Jerusalem? (Hosanna!)
• Holy Thursday: What sacrament was instituted at the Last Supper? (The Eucharist)
• Good Friday: What were Jesus’ last words on the cross? (‘It is finished.’)
• General: Why do Christians remember Holy Week?
Scripture reference: John 13:4–5 (Washing feet)
2. Spaced practice
Plan shorter lessons across two weeks:
Week 1: Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday.
Week 2: Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Include quick reviews at the beginning of each session.
Activity: Assign short reflective journal entries after each lesson focusing on different Holy Week events. For example, after discussing Palm Sunday, ask students to write about how they would have felt welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. Over the week, these entries will build into a personal reflection on Holy Week.
Here are journal writing prompts for each lesson:
• Week 1: Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday
Palm Sunday: Imagine you are in the crowd as Jesus enters Jerusalem. What do you see, hear, and feel? Why do you think people welcomed Jesus as a king?
Holy Thursday: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show service and love. How can you follow his example in your daily life?
• Week 2: Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Good Friday: What does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross mean to you? How does it inspire you to live your faith?
Easter Sunday: How does the Resurrection bring hope? How can you share that hope with others?
Scripture reference: John 12:12–13
3. Dual coding
Show video clips of Holy Week scenes along with a narrated explanation.
Have students draw scenes from Holy Week while writing one key fact about each event.
Resources:
What is Holy Week? Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. by Catholic Kids Media
One driven Catholic makes cartoon that teach kids about their faith
Activity: Collaborate on a group mural depicting Holy Week events. Divide the class into small groups, each responsible for illustrating one event (eg, Palm Sunday, the washing of feet, the crucifixion). Beneath each illustration, have students write a brief explanation of the scene’s significance.
Scripture reference: Matthew 26:26–28 (Institution of the Eucharist)
4. Elaboration
Pose open-ended questions like:
‘How would you feel if you were one of Jesus’ disciples?’
‘What do you think the Resurrection means for us?’
Activity: Role-play key moments from the Last Supper. Assign roles for Jesus and the disciples, and act out the washing of feet and sharing of bread and wine. Afterward, discuss why Jesus performed these actions and what they mean for Christians today.
Scripture reference: John 13:12–15
Resource: In service of all soles
The Washing of the Feet has long been one of our Easter rituals in the Catholic Church. But what’s special about the way it’s been used in recent years by Pope Francis.
5. Interleaving
Alternate between discussing Jesus’ actions during Holy Week and reflecting on how Catholics observe these events today (eg, Palm Sunday procession, veneration of the cross).
Activity: Alternate lessons between Gospel readings and practical activities like making palm crosses or decorating a symbolic cross.
• Palm Sunday
Bible reference: Matthew 21:1–11 (Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem)
Activity: Teach students how to make palm crosses and discuss how Catholics participate in Palm Sunday processions.
• Holy Thursday
Bible reference: John 13:1–15 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)
Activity: Role-play foot-washing (or a symbolic act of service) and discuss ways to serve others today.
• Good Friday
Bible reference: Luke 23:44–49 (Jesus’ death on the cross)
Activity: Create and decorate a symbolic cross with words or images representing Jesus’ sacrifice.
• Easter Sunday
Bible reference: Matthew 28:1–10 (The Resurrection)
Activity: Design Alleluia banners or write personal reflections on what the Resurrection means for Catholics today.
6. Concrete examples
Bring in blessed palms for students to hold.
Use a simple chalice and bread to discuss the Eucharist.
Show images of Good Friday processions from different cultures.
Activity: Ask students to bring in objects or create symbols that represent Holy Week events, such as bread for the Last Supper or a small candle for Easter. During a ‘show and tell’ session, students explain the significance of their items.
Scripture reference: Luke 24:1–2 (Resurrection)
7. Reading
Read ‘Heart time' where Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ writes that praying Holy Week requires a whole of body and mind effort.
Activity: ‘Match the Event to the Day’
Help students recall key events of Holy Week and understand their significance.
Instructions:
Read the article together as a class.
Cut out the following events and days of the week, and have students match them correctly.
• Palm Sunday: People sang and walked with palms into the church.
• Holy Thursday: Jesus’ Last Supper and the Eucharist.
• Good Friday: Veneration of the Cross and Passion service.
• Holy Saturday: Vigil to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection.
After matching, ask students to explain why each event is important for Christians.
Follow-up questions:
• What is the special thing Christians do on Palm Sunday?
• Why do we remember Jesus’ Last Supper on Holy Thursday?
• What happened on Good Friday and why is it important for Christians?
DEEPENING FAITH THROUGH HOLY WEEK
LOWER SECONDARY
1. Retrieval practice
Use flashcards with event names (eg, ‘The Last Supper’) and ask students to describe what happened and why it’s significant.
Flashcard activity questions:
• What happened during [event name]?
• Why is [event name] important in Holy Week?
• How does this event connect to Jesus’ mission?
• What lessons can we learn from [event name] today?
Begin each session with a ‘3-2-1’ review: three things they remember, two questions they have, and one key takeaway.
‘3-2-1’ review prompts:
• What are three things you remember about Holy Week?
• What are two questions you still have?
• What is one key takeaway from today’s lesson?
Activity: Play a ‘Holy Week Jeopardy’ game with categories like Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Holy Week jeopardy questions:
• Palm Sunday: What did the people shout as Jesus entered Jerusalem? (Hosanna!)
• Holy Thursday: What sacrament was instituted at the Last Supper? (The Eucharist)
• Good Friday: What were Jesus’ last words on the cross? (‘It is finished.’)
• General: Why do Christians remember Holy Week?
Activity: Activity: Create a Holy Week timeline on a whiteboard. Have students work in groups to place events like Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the crucifixion in chronological order. For each event, ask them to explain its importance.
Try the Easter story timeline and Holy Week flash cards from Printablee
Scripture reference: Matthew 21:6–11
2. Spaced practice
Divide Holy Week into five sessions:
• Session 1: Overview of Holy Week.
• Session 2: Palm Sunday.
• Session 3: Holy Thursday.
• Session 4: Good Friday.
• Session 5: Easter Sunday.
Start each session with a brief review of the previous one.
Activity: At the end of each lesson, distribute exit tickets asking students to write one thing they learned and one question they have about the day’s topic. Review their questions during the next session as a warm-up activity.
Scripture reference: Luke 23:44–49 (Jesus’ death)
3. Dual coding
Use an annotated timeline of Holy Week with text and images.
Watch clips from Catholic liturgies, highlighting symbolic actions (eg, washing of feet).
Activity: Watch short video clips of Holy Week events, such as a dramatised version of the Last Supper or Jesus carrying the cross. Afterward, have students create a storyboard summarising the key moments from the video, combining visuals and text.
Scripture reference: John 19:16–18
Resources:
Together at One Altar (NCEC)
What is Holy Week? Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter! by Catholic Kids Media
One driven Catholic makes cartoon that teach kids about their faith
4. Elaboration
Discuss deeper questions:
‘What does Jesus’ humility during the Last Supper teach us?’
‘Why is Good Friday both a day of sadness and hope?’
Encourage students to connect events to their own experiences of faith.
Activity: Write a reflective letter to Jesus. Encourage students to imagine they are present during Holy Week and describe their thoughts and emotions. For example, ‘I was amazed to see people waving palm branches for you . . .’ or ‘I didn’t understand why you washed everyone’s feet.’
Scripture reference: John 13:5–17
5. Interleaving
Alternate between Gospel readings and discussing how these events are commemorated in modern liturgies.
Slideshow: Holy week and Liturgy of the Eucharist connections
Slide 1: The Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Week events
Overview: Key elements of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Ordinary Mass connect to events in Holy Week.
Focus: The Last Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Slide 2: 1. Preparation of the Gifts (Offertory)
Event: Offering of bread and wine, symbolising Jesus’ self-giving.
Bible reference:
Luke 22:14–20 – Jesus offers bread and wine at the Last Supper, instituting the Eucharist.
Slide 3: 2. Eucharistic Prayer (Consecration and Anamnesis)
Event: The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Institution narrative and consecration
Bible references:
Matthew 26:26–28 – ‘Take and eat; this is my body . . . this is my blood.’
Luke 22:19–20 – ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’
1 Corinthians 11:23–25 – Paul recounts the institution of the Eucharist.
Slide 4: 2. Eucharistic Prayer (Continued)
Event: Mystery of Faith (Memorial acclamation)
Bible reference:
1 Corinthians 11:26 – ‘For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.’
Slide 5: 2. Eucharistic Prayer (Continued)
Event: Doxology and Great Amen (Glorifying God through Christ)
Bible reference:
Romans 11:36 – ‘For from him and through him and to him are all things.’
Slide 6: 3. The Communion Rite
Event: Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
Bible reference:
John 1:29 – John the Baptist declares, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God,’ referring to Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Slide 7: 3. The Communion Rite (Continued)
Event: Reception of Holy Communion
Bible references:
John 6:51–58 – ‘Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.’
Luke 24:30–ß31 – Disciples recognise Jesus in the breaking of the bread after the Resurrection.
Slide 8: The Liturgy of the Eucharist and Holy Week Connection
Connection: The Liturgy of the Eucharist is a direct participation in Holy Week events:
Last Supper (Holy Thursday)
Jesus’ Sacrifice (Good Friday)
Resurrection Victory (Easter Sunday)
Slideshow: Holy Week Liturgies
Slide 1: Holy Week Events in the Catholic Mass and corresponding Bible references
Overview of the significant events in Holy Week celebrated in Catholic liturgies, with Bible references.
Slide 2: Palm Sunday – The Lord’s Passion
Event: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Bible references:
Matthew 21:1–11
Mark 11:1–10
Luke 19:28–40
John 12:12–19
Slide 3: Palm Sunday – The Passion narrative
Event: Passion narrative (Varies by liturgical year)
Bible references:
Matthew 26:14–27:66
Mark 14:1–15:47
Luke 22:14–23:56
Slide 4: Holy Thursday – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Event: Institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood
Bible References:
Luke 22:14–20
Matthew 26:26–29
Mark 14:22–25
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Slide 5: Holy Thursday – Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
Event: Jesus washes the disciples’ feet as an act of humility.
Bible reference:
John 13:1–15
Slide 6: Good Friday – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Event: Jesus’ trial and crucifixion
Bible reference:
John 18:1–19:42 (Passion narrative always from John)
Slide 7: Good Friday – Veneration of the Cross
Event: The faithful venerate the cross, recalling Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Bible reference:
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (Prophecy of the Suffering Servant)
Slide 8: Easter Vigil – The Night of Resurrection
Event: The Resurrection of Jesus
Bible References:
Matthew 28:1–10
Mark 16:1–8
Luke 24:1–12
John 20:1–9
Slide 9: Easter Vigil – The Exsultet and readings of Salvation history
Event: The Easter Proclamation and Readings that recall salvation history.
Bible references:
Genesis 1:1–2:2 (Creation)
Genesis 22:1–18 (Abraham and Isaac)
Exodus 14:15–15:1 (Crossing of the Red Sea)
Isaiah 55:1–11 (Invitation to grace)
Ezekiel 36:16–28 (Promise of new life)
Slide 10: Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord
Event: The Empty Tomb and Jesus Appears to His Followers
Bible References:
John 20:1–9
Luke 24:13–35 (Road to Emmaus)
Slide 11: Connecting the events of Holy Week
These events connect the faithful to the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus, commemorated through the Catholic liturgies.
Resource: Together at One Altar (NCEC)
Activity: Compare the themes of sacrifice and service in Holy Week with modern examples, such as volunteering at a food bank. Discuss how these themes remain relevant today and connect them to Gospel teachings.
Scripture reference: John 15:12–13 (Love one another)
6. Concrete examples
Reflect on the Stations of the Cross and encourage students to create their own symbolic ‘stations’.
Bring in a priest or deacon to explain the Triduum.
Share stories of people who’ve shown Christ-like love.
Activity: Create mini ‘Stations of the Cross’ around the classroom. At each station, include an image, a short Bible passage, and a reflection question. Students rotate through the stations, pausing to reflect and write their responses.
Scripture reference: Luke 23:26–31
Resources:
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross hold significance for Catholics around the world because they provide a structured and symbolic way to meditate on the events of Jesus Christ’s Passion, from his condemnation to his burial.
Charades of the cross
Experience the Stations of the Cross like never before. Students are invited on a playful yet profound journey through sacred spaces.
Music to walk with Jesus
Stations of the Cross devotions integrate scripture, commentary, dialogue, drama and music as part of the prayer.
The Sneaky Stations of the Cross Playlist
Where most people hear trashy pop songs, we hear songs that, with a little imagination, could be used to connect people with God. This ‘sneaky’ playlist makes a journey through the Stations of the Cross, using music you’d normally only find on the radio.
7. Reading
Read ‘Heart time’ where Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ writes that praying Holy Week requires a whole of body and mind effort.
Activity: ‘True or false?’
Encourage students to critically think about the history and meaning of Holy Week events.
Instructions: Read the article together and explain the significance of the events in Holy Week.
Write the following statements on the board, and ask students to determine whether each one is true or false:
• The Eucharist was originally celebrated every day of the week during Holy Week.
• Holy Week events began after Christians were allowed to practise their faith freely.
• The church on Good Friday does not have a Eucharist service, as it’s a reflection of the practice of celebrating Eucharist only on Sundays.
• The vigil on Holy Saturday was a time to celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus.
• The tradition of Palm Sunday procession started in Jerusalem.
Follow-up discussion:
Why is it significant that Holy Week developed as a time for reflection and action?
How did the early Church celebrate Holy Week differently than how we celebrate it today?
ENGAGING WITH THE MEANING OF HOLY WEEK
UPPER SECONDARY
1. Retrieval practice
Use group discussions to recall events and their meanings: ‘What do you think the washing of feet symbolises?’
Have students summarise each day of Holy Week in a sentence.
Activity: Facilitate a roundtable discussion. Start by asking each student to share one fact they remember and one new insight they gained from previous lessons. Use their responses to guide a deeper conversation about Holy Week.
Scripture reference: John 12:20–26
Slide 1: Deeper conversation on Holy Week
Focus on Holy Week events and their meanings, especially the Washing of Feet and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture reference: John 12:20–26
Goal: Connect the events of Holy Week to personal reflection and daily life.
Slide 2: Symbolism of the washing of feet
Humility and service: Jesus’ act challenges our understanding of power.
Personal reflection: When have you served others or been served? What did you learn?
Slide 3: Holy Week as a journey
Triumphal entry to Crucifixion: What do the contrasts teach us about life’s challenges and triumphs?
Embracing suffering: How can we apply Jesus’ endurance to our own hardships?
Slide 4: The meaning of the Cross and Resurrection
The Paradox of Death Leading to Life: How does the cross become a symbol of hope?
John 12:24: How does this verse relate to personal growth and letting go for something greater?
Slide 5: Impact of Holy Week on daily life
Living our faith: How do Holy Week’s lessons shape our actions in daily life?
Modelling Jesus’ actions: How can we embody his humility, sacrifice and love?
Slide 6: Insights from John 12:20-26
Call to follow Jesus’ Example: What does it mean to ‘lose your life’ for the sake of Christ?
Eternal perspective: How does this verse change how we view success and fulfillment?
Slide 7: The role of sacrifice in Christian faith
Personal sacrifice: What does sacrifice look like in our lives?
Sacrifice and love: How are love and sacrifice connected in Holy Week?
Slide 8: Looking forward to Easter
Resurrection as New Hope: How does Easter bring hope for personal transformation and reconciliation?
Easter as renewal: How does the story of the Resurrection inspire renewal in our faith and lives?
Slide 9: Concluding thought
Reflect on how the events of Holy Week guide us to live out our faith with love, humility, and sacrifice, leading to new life through Christ’s Resurrection.
2. Spaced practice
Schedule three focused sessions:
• Session 1: Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday.
• Session 2: Good Friday.
• Session 3: Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.
Integrate five-minute mini-reviews at the end of each session.
Activity: Assign three reflective essays, each focusing on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, spread over three weeks.
Here are stimulus questions for each session to guide reflection and essay writing:
Session 1: Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday
• Why did the people welcome Jesus with palm branches? How does this reflect their expectations of him?
• How did Jesus show humility and service at the Last Supper? How can we follow his example today?
• How do Catholics continue to remember and celebrate these events in Holy Week?
Session 2: Good Friday
• What do Jesus’ words on the cross reveal about his mission and love for humanity?
• How does Good Friday challenge us to reflect on sacrifice, forgiveness, and faith?
• Why do Catholics venerate the cross on Good Friday? What does this act symbolize?
Session 3: Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday
• How does the Resurrection fulfill Jesus’ promise of new life?
• Why is light an important symbol in the Easter Vigil?
• How does the joy of Easter shape how Catholics live their faith today?
Scripture reference: Luke 24:13–35 (Road to Emmaus)
3. Dual coding
Analyse artistic representations of Holy Week (eg, paintings of the Crucifixion) alongside Gospel passages.
Create a Holy Week infographic summarising key events and their significance.
Activity: Analyse famous artworks depicting Holy Week, such as Da Vinci’s The Last Supper or Michelangelo’s Pieta. Discuss how the artists used colour, composition, and symbolism to convey theological messages. Find pictures using Wikimedia Commons.
Scripture reference: Luke 22:19–20
4. Elaboration
Pose thought-provoking questions:
‘How does Holy Week challenge us to live our faith?’
‘Why is the Resurrection the cornerstone of Christianity?’
Encourage students to write personal reflections.
Activity: Host a debate on the significance of the Resurrection in Christianity. Divide students into groups to argue different perspectives, encouraging them to use scriptural and historical evidence to support their points.
Here are reflection questions to deepen students’ understanding and personal responses:
Personal reflection questions:
• How do the events of Holy Week inspire you to live your faith in everyday life?
• What does Jesus’ sacrifice on Good Friday teach us about love and forgiveness?
• How would Christianity be different without the Resurrection?
• How does the hope of the Resurrection influence how Catholics face challenges today?
• In what ways do Holy Week traditions help Catholics connect with Jesus’ journey?
Debate preparation questions:
• What scriptural evidence supports the significance of the Resurrection?
• Why do Christians believe the Resurrection is essential to their faith?
• How have historical accounts and Church teachings reinforced belief in the Resurrection?
• What are some common objections to the Resurrection, and how might a Christian respond?
• How does belief in the Resurrection shape Catholic practices and traditions?
Scripture reference: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22
5. Interleaving
Switch between historical context (eg, Jewish Passover traditions) and theological reflection (eg, Jesus as the Lamb of God).
Explore how Holy Week has been celebrated in different cultures.
Activity: Alternate lessons between studying Gospel passages and examining modern Christian practices during Holy Week.
Resources: A traveller’s guide to the Stations of the Cross
Different cultures commemorate the Stations of the Cross and remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
Scripture references: John 19:17–18 (Crucifixion), Luke 23:33–34
6. Concrete examples
Attend a Holy Week liturgy or watch online celebrations.
Examine relics or artifacts (eg, a replica of the Shroud of Turin).
Reflect on modern-day martyrs who lived out their faith courageously.
Resource: Washing of the Feet: Liturgy for Holy Week
Activity: Organise a visit to a local church to observe Holy Week preparations or rituals, followed by a reflective discussion.
Scripture reference: Matthew 21:8–9 (Palm Sunday)
7. Reading
Read ‘Heart time’ where Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ writes that praying Holy Week requires a whole of body and mind effort.
Activity: ‘Discussion and reflection on Heart time’
Engage students in deep reflection on the spiritual and physical aspects of Holy Week.
Instructions:
• Read the article and ask students to reflect on the following: What does ‘Heart time’ mean? How does it go beyond thinking about faith to living out the story of Jesus’ last days?
• Personal Reflection: Have students write a short response to the following prompt:
Holy Week is described as a time when Christians pray with their hearts, eyes, legs, and minds. How can you ‘pray with your legs, eyes, and heart’ during Holy Week?
After a few minutes of writing, facilitate a group discussion on these points:
o Why do you think Holy Week was described as ‘strenuous, sleepless, and largely foodless’?
o How does participating physically in Holy Week (eg, through processions, vigils, and prayers) help us understand Jesus’ Passion more deeply?
o In what ways can you relate the idea of ‘Heart time’ to your own faith journey, especially during the most challenging moments of your life?
Follow-up questions:
• How does participating in Holy Week activities help us feel closer to Jesus’ suffering and Resurrection?
• How can your personal faith practice reflect ‘Heart time’?