If participation has been up during Holy Week, it is likely to continue on Holy Saturday and the Day of the Resurrection. But the “good news” is much of the hard work and planning is behind you!

On Holy Saturday simply invite the generations to help get ready for the big celebration. Polishing, dusting and all sorts of general cleaning and decorating can be fun activities to do together for those who have gotten to know each other throughout the week. It is also a wonderful time for the older generations to share with those who are younger, the different symbols, stained glass windows and various accoutrements of the church.

On Easter Day hand out the cocooned butterflies as people arrive. Make certain that there are enough for all children. Invite the participants to tear upon the cocoons during the opening Easter Acclamation and fly their symbols of new life every time the word “Alleluia” is said or sung. Similarly, the service can be begun with a search for the “Buried Alleluias.” Each year at our Cathedral, our Bishop invites the children to search until the “buried box” is found. He then does a simple teaching and instructs the children to share/give the “alleluias” to someone in the congregation.