Every year on the Sunday before Easter – the sixth Sunday of Lent – the church celebrates “Palm Sunday.” Most general calendars list the day as “Palm Sunday,” but if you look closely at a liturgical calendar you will see that it is actually called “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.” The name is appropriate as it celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem but also commemorates the beginning of Holy Week and Jesus’ final journey to the cross.
Here’s what you can do to prepare your home for the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
Prepare a Prayer Table
- Use a red tablecloth and layout palms from last year.
- If you don’t have any palms, simply go outside and use any palm fronds or greenery you can find.
- Set candles and a crucifix on the table.
- Open your Bible to Matthew 21:1-11.
- You can even symbolically place wine and bread on the table.
Watch Our Live Mass
- Reflect on Fr. George’s blog about participating more fully during Holy Week here.
- Plan to watch our Online Mass live on Facebook here.
- Or watch at a time that is most convenient to you here.
- Dress liturgically – wear red!
- Invite all family members to use our usual gestures: standing, sitting, and kneeling when applicable.
- Respond to all Mass parts, especially the “Crowd” part of the Passion. You can find the readings here.
- Sing! The hymns are available on a downloadable worship aid that can be found here.
- During the reception of Holy Communion by the priest, make a spiritual Communion by praying the following prayer:
My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You, never permit me to be separated from You.
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After Mass is over, display the palms or branches on your door or window.
