Palm Sunday by Sophia and Anna (8th)
Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday is a day where we recognize Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem. Celebrated March 28th or later in the year for Orthodox Churches, Palm Sunday is a day of blessing and sharing palm branches symbolizing the branches placed in front of Christ as he entered Jerusalem. Some refer to Palm Sunday as the beginning of "Passion Week," the final week of Jesus' earthly life. Palm Sunday began with Jesus and his disciples traveling to the Mount of Olives. He then sent two of his disciples to fetch an animal for Him to ride on. The disciples returned to Jesus with a donkey they had found, just as Jesus said they would. As He approached Jerusalem on his donkey, a large crowd formed to follow Jesus; the public understood that he was the Messiah. Some spread their cloaks along the road while others went and broke off branches from palm trees. In doing this, the people were giving Jesus the treatment of a king. On that day, the first Palm Sunday began, and the people cheered, "Hosanna to the son of David!" The people of Jerusalem shouted and sang as they walked alongside Jesus, praising God for all the extraordinary miracles they had seen.
Palm Sunday's celebration began in the Jerusalem Church approximately the late fourth century, consisting of hymns, prayers, and bible readings. Symbols of Palm Sunday include palm branches that symbolize peace and victory. Donkeys represent the humble arrival of peace instead of war. The colors of Palm Sunday are red and white, symbolizing redemption in the blood. Palms used on Palm Sunday are blessed, and instead of being discarded, they are incinerated and saved as ashes for Ash Wednesday the following year. We celebrate Palm Sunday by going to church. On Palm Sunday, you may also receive little crosses made of palm leaves.
Holy Week by Ashlyn and Abigail (7th)
Holy Monday is a special event that celebrates the wither of a cursed fig tree, and Jesus clearing a temple. On Holy Tuesday Jesus and his Disciples returned to Jerusalem. They passed by the withered fig tree that Jesus had previously shattered the day before, and Jesus spoke to his companions about the significance of hope/faith. On Holy Wednesday, it is unknown what Jesus did or how he celebrated that day, but it is said that Jesus spent the day resting in Bethany for the Passover.
At Corpus Christi, we celebrate Holy Week by reading and practicing bible verses, recalling the events that happened and learning more about events in our religion class. We sometimes watch a movie about Holy Week too, which is a very fun way to learn about it.
Holy Thursday by Isabella (7th)
Holy Thursday, otherwise known as Maundy Thursday, falls on the Thursday before Easter. Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper. It is when the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper is celebrated at Mass. This event is incorporated as part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. On the night of Holy Thursday, “Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” takes place where the faithful remain in the presence of the Eucharist just as the Disciples were faithful with Christ. Holy Thursday is “the most complex and profound of all religious observances”; the next important celebration is the Easter Vigil. The liturgy during Holy Thursday is celebrated in the evening because Passover begins at sundown. Cleansing gave this day of the Holy Week the name “Maundy Thursday”. Holy Thursday is also the night that shows witness to the Church's adoration for Christ's Body present in the consecrated Host during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, carried in procession to the flower-bedecked Altar of Repose. It remains 'entombed' until the communion service on Good Friday. No Mass will be celebrated again in the Church until the Easter Vigil proclaims the Resurrection.
Good Friday by Riley (7th)
Good Friday is a day to remember the sacrifices Jesus made for us. Good Friday is the day of crucifixion where Jesus sacrificed himself for all of us. During this day, many Catholics fast. In addition, we also abstain from eating meat on Good Friday, as on every Friday of Lent. The church during Good Friday will also hold a procession to honor Jesus and his sacrifice. These processions will usually tell the story of Jesus's crucifixion through the Stations of the Cross. Overall Good Friday is a day of reflection. We honor Jesus, the only begotten son, who died on the cross to save us.