Let's say you want to make more time to celebrate the liturgical year, but every time you go searching for ideas, you find a plethora of children’s craft and youth group game ideas. While those things are so needed in those specific arenas, where does the adult woman fit in? How do we celebrate the beauty of the Church year as an adult?
How do we celebrate the beauty of the Church year as an adult?Click to tweet
Here are a variety of ideas for adult members of the Church so they too can feast on and observe these special days. From recipes to readings and chrism to charity, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous ways to live your faith this next month.
Palm Sunday (April 9)
Today is also known as Fig Sunday because tradition holds that Jesus ate figs while entering Jerusalem. Make yourself a fancy appetizer of prosciutto wrapped figs to enjoy before dinner. They couldn’t be easier: slice figs in half and stuff with goat cheese. Wrap stuffed figs with half of a slice of prosciutto and bake at 400 F for about 10 minutes.
Holy Thursday (April 13)
Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, is when the Church celebrates the Chrism Mass. Chrism oil that will be used throughout the year is blessed on this day by priests and bishops. Find out when and where your diocese will be holding their Chrism Mass and make plans to attend.
Good Friday (April 14)
This is the most solemn day in our Church—the day we remember Jesus’ death upon the Cross. We specifically honor the hours between noon and 3pm when Jesus was breathing His last breaths. Keep holy these hours on Good Friday. Turn off as many distractions as you can. Talk as little as you can manage. And, if possible, attend a Stations of the Cross service or pray the Stations on your own.
Holy Saturday (April 15)
This is a day of waiting for the faithful, but for Jesus, it’s anything but boring. His Holy Saturday was spent in the depths of Hell freeing the Holy Souls. No Mass is celebrated until the Easter Vigil tonight when a new Paschal candle will be brought into the church. Learn how to make your own Paschal candle out of beeswax.
Divine Mercy Sunday (April 23)
God’s mercy is greater than all of our sinfulness. Today we celebrate His unending love for us despite our shortcomings. You can receive a plenary indulgence today under the usual conditions. For directions, visit Catholic Culture.
St. Bernadette (April 16)
Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to young Bernadette in 1844. The site of Our Lady’s appearance is a popular and beloved pilgrimage site for Catholics across the globe. Learn more about St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes by renting The Song of Bernadette. Since she was from France, enjoy the movie with a glass of French wine.
St. Gianna Beretta Molla (April 28)
St. Gianna was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother. She is most well known for her pregnancy with her youngest daughter whom she insisted on carrying to term despite the fact that it cost Gianna her life. Many women find themselves in crisis pregnancy situations today—married and unmarried women alike. Call your local pro-life pregnancy center, and see how you can donate time, talent, or money to their mission.
St. Catherine of Siena (April 29)
St. Catherine was an Italian third order Dominican born in 1347. She is a Doctor of the Church. Check online or at your library for a copy of the Dialog of Catherine of Siena which she wrote during a state of ecstasy in which she conversed with God. Commit to reading the entire dialog or just an excerpt.
May Crowning
No one is ever too old to honor her Mother. Pick a date in May to plant a garden to honor Mother Mary. Whether you choose seeds or bloomed flowers, a traditional garden or a windowsill pot, create a sweet garden to crown Blessed Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. If you have a statue of Mother Mary, place it in or near your new garden.
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We hope that you are able to incorporate one, some, or all of these ideas into your calendar. We know that by doing so, you will form an even closer bond with Our Lord and His bride—the Church.
What other ideas have you used for celebrating these liturgical days? Let us know in the comment section.
Written by Jenna Hines. Find out more about her here.
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