How to Reflect During Holy Week - A Gentle Guide for the Journey
Holy Week can feel like a lot. It’s a mix of emotions. Sorrow and hope, silence and celebration and all spread out over just a few days.
Whether you’ve journeyed through Holy Week many times or you’re exploring it for the first time, this sacred week invites us to slow down, reflect, and walk with Christ through his final days.
Here’s a simple way to reflect through each stage of Holy Week. Pick and choose what works for you and please reach out to us if you need support.
Palm Sunday: Welcoming the Unexpected
The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem, not knowing what lay ahead.
Palm Sunday is a good time to ask ourselves:
What expectations am I bringing into this week?
Where do I long to see hope or change?
You might want to read the story in Matthew 21 and reflect on how Jesus often comes in ways we don’t expect.
Our Palm Sunday Service is at 11am
Tuesday: Listening for a Word
On Tuesday at 10:30 AM, we gather for Mass and a Holy Week Address. This is a time to pause midweek and listen for God’s voice.
If you can join us, come just as you are.
If you’re reflecting at home, consider this:
What is one word or phrase from Scripture that speaks to you this week?
Maybe try reading the Passion narratives slowly, Matthew 26–27 or John 13–19 and let something stand out to you. Sit with that.
Maundy Thursday: Loving in the Small Things
Though we don’t hold a public service on Maundy Thursday, it’s a deeply moving part of Holy Week. This is the night Jesus knelt and washed dusty feet. He shared a simple meal. He prayed in a garden, heart breaking. All Saints have a service at 7.45 pm if you want to attend.
You might reflect with this question:
Where in my life can I choose humble love?
And if you want to do something practical: cook for someone. Write a note. Call a friend.
Read: John 13.
Pray: “Lord, help me love with your gentleness and strength.”
Good Friday: Holding the Silence
This is the heart of Holy Week. At 4:15 PM on Friday, we will walk the Stations of the Cross, a quiet, meditative service that helps us follow Jesus through his suffering. We will also share the Maria Desolata—a time of prayer with Mary, who stood at the foot of the cross.
You don’t have to say much on Good Friday. Sometimes the best reflection is simply showing up, lighting a candle, or sitting with the questions that don’t have neat answers.
Try this:
Sit in silence for ten minutes. No music. No phone. Just be.
Let the silence speak. Let yourself be still with the cross.
Holy Saturday: Waiting in the In-Between
Holy Saturday is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most human moments in the whole week. Jesus is in the tomb. Everything feels lost. The world goes quiet.
Where in your life are you waiting for resurrection?
Where does it feel like the story has ended—but maybe it hasn’t yet?
This is a day to rest. To wait. To trust that light is coming, even if we don’t see it yet.
Easter Sunday: Light Breaking Through
And then—joy. Early in the morning, women went to the tomb and found it empty. Life had the last word after all.
At 9 am, we’ll gather for Easter Mass. You are warmly invited to come celebrate, whether you’ve been coming for years or haven’t set foot in church in a while.
This Easter, ask yourself:
What new life is God bringing forth in me?
Where have I seen grace that surprised me?
Sing loud. Smile wide. The tomb is empty—and that changes everything.
You Are Invited
Wherever you are in your faith journey, Holy Week isn’t just for the “super spiritual.” It’s for the weary, the hopeful, the doubting, and the searching. It’s for people who want to feel close to God—but aren’t quite sure how.
If that’s you, you’re not alone. You are welcome here. Come to one service, or come to all. Light a candle. Say a prayer. Or just sit in the stillness of a church that has held centuries of questions and worship before you.
Our Holy Week Services:
- Tuesday at 10:30 am – Holy Week Mass & Address
- Friday at 4:15 pm – Stations of the Cross & Maria Desolata
- Sunday at 9:00 am – Easter Mass
We hope you’ll join us in walking this sacred path—and celebrating the joy that waits at the end of it.
