Easter is the most important season in the liturgical calendar for Catholics, as it celebrates the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. While Easter brings with it a sense of joy and celebration, it can also be easy for families to get distracted by the secular aspects of the season—Easter egg hunts, candy, and other festive activities. However, as Catholic families, it is essential to stay focused on the true meaning of Easter: Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Here are five ways to help your family stay centered on Christ during this holy season:
1. Attend the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass Together
The Easter Vigil, held on Holy Saturday night, is one of the most significant liturgies of the year. It begins in darkness and culminates in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection with the lighting of the Paschal candle. If possible, attend the Vigil as a family to experience the richness of the liturgy, and reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
On Easter Sunday, gather as a family for Mass to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Make this a priority, setting aside all other plans to be present at the Eucharist. The Mass is a powerful way to refocus your hearts and minds on the reality of Christ’s triumph over death.
2. Pray the Stations of the Cross Together
Before Easter, continue to meditate on Christ’s passion through the devotion of the Stations of the Cross. This ancient Catholic tradition walks us through the final hours of Jesus’ life, allowing us to unite our sufferings with His. Set aside time each week leading up to Easter to pray the Stations as a family. This practice can help deepen your understanding of the sacrifices Christ made and prepare your hearts for His glorious resurrection.
3. Create a Family Lenten Tradition of Sacrifice and Almsgiving
While Lent is the season leading up to Easter, it’s not too late to incorporate Lenten practices into the Easter season itself. As a family, commit to a continued focus on charity and sacrifice. This can involve donating time or money to a charitable cause, volunteering as a family, or giving up something of personal importance to help others. Through almsgiving, you not only continue to live out Christ’s call to love your neighbor, but you also cultivate an atmosphere of generosity and gratitude within your home.
4. Reflect on the Resurrection with Scripture and Devotions
In the days leading up to Easter and throughout the Easter season, take time as a family to read Scripture passages that recount Christ’s resurrection. The Gospels are filled with rich accounts of how Christ appeared to His disciples, offering them peace and hope. Read these together and discuss the significance of the resurrection, encouraging your children to ask questions and deepen their faith. Devotional practices like the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy can also be incorporated as family prayers to reflect on Christ’s mercy and love during this time.
5. Make Your Home a Place of Easter Joy and Faith
Transform your home into a place where the Easter message is reflected in everything you do. Display sacred images, such as a crucifix, an image of the risen Christ, or the Paschal candle. Consider incorporating faith-filled decorations that highlight the victory of Christ over death. As a family, gather together to talk about the true meaning of Easter, share joyful meals, and pray for the grace to live each day in the light of Christ’s resurrection.
Easter is a time for renewal and joy, a celebration of Christ’s ultimate victory over death. By prioritizing prayer, reflection, and charity, you can help your family stay focused on the true meaning of this holy season. Through these practices, you will cultivate a deeper love for Christ and His sacrifice, and draw closer to Him as a family. May this Easter be a time of grace, peace, and renewed faith for you and your loved ones!
