HolyWeek@HOME EXPERIENCE

Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten during Lent, especially during Holy Week and Good Friday. These sweet, doughy rolls are marked with an icing or dough cross on top.

There are many legends about the origin of hot cross buns, one going back to a 12th century monk who is said to have baked them on Good Friday in preparation for the Easter celebration. They gained popularity across England.

In 1592, Queen Elizabeth I declared that hot cross buns could only be sold on Good Friday, Christmas, or for burials because they were so special. After this decree, people began baking more of their own hot cross buns. It is still a tradition in many cultures to bake and enjoy these during Holy Week as Christians mark Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

Start a family tradition of baking your own!

* Image by Jules, licensed under creative commons

This prayer service and ritual that reflects on Judas will help learners understand the depth of God’s forgiveness during times of personal betrayal. It is particularly appropriate for Good Friday, but can be used any time during Holy Week.

Adapt the service however you would like. For example, you can simply use quarters for the silver coins.

You can find the Joe Wise song referenced in the service on Spotify and other online music services, but we recommend that you play the following more contemporary song by Michael Avolicino:

Activity excerpted from Praying by Number: 20 Creative Prayer Lessons & Activities (Volume 2) by Phyllis Vos Wezeman.

A good set of coloring pages for each of the 14 Stations of the Cross, generously provided for free at TheCatholicKid.com

Use these along with our Stations of the Cross service or as a standalone activity.

Pray this child-friendly Stations of the Cross service in your own home. The provided script connects each Station of the Cross to suffering in today's world.