As Catholic school educators, we never imagined we would be preparing our students for Holy Week in the virtual environment, yet here we are. It has been quite the challenge to hold online classroom sessions for many teachers, and most of us feel like our teaching world has been turned upside down. Although we see our students online, we miss our time teaching and learning in the classroom, along with our direct connections to our students. Many teachers are overwhelmed trying to find resources for instruction as the rest of this online school year unfolds one day at a time. It is my sincerest hope that these resources and song selections help to support your instruction during Holy Week.
Music and prayer resources for the Stations of the Cross
The Way of the Cross for Children – Designed for children in grades K–8, this complete, one-of-a-kind resources gives you everything you need to lead children in this devotion.
Art and writing resources for the Stations of the Cross
Here are some great creative activities for children of all ages:
- Stations of the Cross booklet for grades K–1
- Stations of the Cross booklet for grades 2–3
- Stations of the Cross Journal for grade 4
- Stations of the Cross diarama project for grades 3–6
- Stations of the Cross presentation for middle school students
Spanish and bilingual songs for Holy Week
Angelically sung by Anna Betancourt and a children’s choir, “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna,” is great for enriching Palm Sunday celebrations. “Te Adoramos, Oh Cristo/We Adore You, O Christ” will inspire children and youth during Stations of the Cross and Good Friday services. These songs and many others can be found in the collection El Señor Nos Invita, Vol. 3 and used to inspire children and promote spiritual formation among all ages.
Lent and Triduum songs for grades 4–8
Are you looking for a song to start each day during Holy Week? Have you been considering an online virtual choir or class video music project? Here is a list of short, simple songs for Lent and the Triduum, appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students.
Songs from Rise Up and Sing, Third Edition
We at OCP are here to support you during this time and hope these resources help bring faith-filled learning to your virtual classrooms during the Holy Week this year.
Dr. Mary DiCamillo, OCP Parish Ministry Consultant, is a Catholic music educator and has taught at all levels, from preschool to college, for the last 30 years. She is also a board-certified music therapist and has been a member of the American Music Therapy Association since 1990. Mary has worked as a music educator and music therapist in K–12 schools, universities, health care settings and has owned a private practice. She is also an experienced accompanist and cantor, and she currently leads worship at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Laguna Beach, CA. Mary provides ministry consultations for Catholic schools and parishes in the Southwestern United States.