We begin with the knowledge that the Easter Season is the most important liturgical time in the Church, including the Easter Vigil, which St. Augustine referred to as “the Mother of all Vigils,” and Easter Sunday, the greatest Sunday of the Church year. But there is much more, and it’s something we often overlook. The Easter Season lasts 50 days, seven weeks plus Pentecost, and is meant to continue the rejoicing of the Resurrection after the long 40 days of Lent. By consciously celebrating the joy and new life of Easter for 50 days, we are also nurturing that joy as a part of our daily lives in spite of challenges and adversity, to truly become Easter people, active witnesses to a faith that transforms even death. Since lesson plans are generally filled to the brim, now is the time to plan ahead to help students engage in the seven weeks of Easter. Here are some simple suggestions: Keep Easter liturgical colors – Keep the cloths and accessories on your prayer tables white, with accents of gold, for the seven weeks of the Easter season. Add flowers around holy pictures and statues. Students see these throughout the day, not just during religion class. It’s a reminder that our Catholic faith is always with us, no matter what we are doing. Display the Primary Easter Symbol – The Christ Candle (Easter or Paschal Candle), represents the light of Christ dispelling the darkness of sin and death. Keep a Christ Candle on your prayer table, either purchased or made. A white pillar candle is perfect, wax or flameless. A red cross may be added to the candle. Use it for discussions about the importance of light in our lives. Feasting not Fasting –Jesus taught, “As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.” The Season of Easter is a time to enjoy the blessing of food in contrast to the fasting of Lent. If possible, set aside a window of time one day a week where children can enjoy a special Easter food, like hot cross buns or large pretzels (little arms crossed in prayer). Solicit suggestions from parents. Embrace Easter Attitudes – Easter is a time of rebirth, transformation, renewal, hope and joy. These are attitudes that grow when they are nurtured. No lessons needed, just encouragement to be joyful and hopeful, and a nudge to see opportunities for growth, renewal and change. Or pick a different Easter attitude for a weekly classroom theme. Ask children for suggestions on how to bring the themes alive. Proclaim Alleluia! – With the Easter Vigil the Alleluia is once again sung or prayed during Mass. Give your students an opportunity to “Praise God,” which is what Alleluia means, by adding this brief prayer at the beginning or end of the school day: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” R. Alleluia, alleluia. To further enrich your Easter lessons, visit RCL Benziger’s Easter Resources for free downloadable prayers, activities, and suggestions to help you keep the Easter celebration going.
Mary Regina Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.