52 Sundays

Year A: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

Acts 10: 34a, 37-43

Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Col 3: 1-4

Jn 20: 1-9

TAKE TIME TO CHAT

Why is Easter the most important holiday we celebrate as Christians?
What is Mary Magdalene’s reaction when Jesus appears? What would yours be if you were in her shoes?
Discuss the range of emotions Jesus’ followers must have felt on Holy Saturday vs. Easter Sunday.

ACTIVITY

Painted Rocks

The moment the stone rolled away, Mary and the others were filled with hope. Take some time today to share a message of hope with others. Gather some smooth rocks and paint an inspirational message or something cheerful on each one. Use acrylic paint or paint pens (the finer point pens make writing easier). Paint only one side of the rock. Once dry, parents can seal it with a spray-on sealer or mod podge. Leave the rocks in a visible public place. Here are some ideas for inspirational messages:

Draw a smiley face.
Quote a Scripture verse that shares the message of eternal life in Christ.
Write an Easter message such as “Alleluia!” or “He is Risen!”
Use a quote from Unleash the Gospel https://www.unleashthegospel.o....
Quote Pope Francis from his Apostolic Exhortation, Joy of the Gospel: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.”
Write a short message like “Jesus saves,” “Hope in Christ,” or “Believe in God.”
Draw a fun picture to make someone smile!

PRAYER

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading.” It is a way to meditate on Sacred Scripture. It involves reading a passage of Scripture a few times and letting God speak to your heart. Have someone slowly read the passage below three times with pauses in between. After the first reading, let the words sink in. After the second reading, focus on a word or phrase that strikes you. After the third reading, pray about what God is asking of you today. Invite everyone to share what they experienced during prayer. You can use this prayer formula with any Scripture passage.

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of the LORD.”
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.

LITURGY LINK

At the beginning of Mass, the priest sprinkles the congregation with holy water. What sacrament does this sprinkling rite help us to recall?

FAMILY CHALLENGE

In the time of Christ, the first Christians would greet one another saying, “Christ is risen,” and the response was, “He has risen indeed.” Greet your family members with these phrases for a whole week.

St. Juliana of Liège (April 6)

St. Juliana and her twin sister Agnes were born in present-day Belgium. They were orphaned at the age of five and raised in a convent. Juliana had a great reverence for the Eucharist from her early yo...

Read Biography

Enchiladas Suizas

3 cups of Herdez Salsa Verde cooking sauce or homemade salsa ¾ cup Mexican cream or sour cream ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 garlic clove, chopped 2 cups s...

Read Recipe

Year A: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

St. Juliana of Liège (April 6)

Take Time to Chat

Enchiladas Suizas