9 Things Parents Can Teach Children About Easter Season in the Catholic Church

The celebration of Easter is not just a “religious” event.

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the Resurrection was an historical event due to:

 

1. The empty tomb. The linen cloths left behind are a sign this was not a human work, like with Lazarus.

 

2. The appearance of Jesus, the Risen One. Testimonies in the gospels even overcome doubts.

 

3. Christ’s risen humanity. He was touched and ate with disciples. Jesus was not raised from the dead like Jairus’ daughter or Lazarus. His Resurrection was through the Holy Spirit with Whom He shares divinity.

 

• A transcendent event because there was no witness. It is a reality we believe as a mystery of faith.

 

• A work of the Holy Trinity.

 

The Father’s power “raised up” Christ his Son and by doing so perfectly introduced his Son’s humanity, including his body, into the Trinity. Jesus is conclusively revealed as “Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead”. (Rom 1: 3-4)

 

 

The above theology may be appropriate for older children (or adults who need a refresher). More simply, here are nine things parents can teach children about Easter in the Catholic Church:

 

 

1. Easter Is the Most Important Feast in the Catholic Church

 

While Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth, it is second in importance to Easter. Christ’s Resurrection proved Jesus is a person in the Holy Trinity Who saved humanity from sin and gave hope of eternal life in heaven.

 

 

2. The Word “Easter” Comes from Old English and Means “the East”

 

The word “Easter” is symbolic. The sun rises in the east and brings light and warmth. Easter recalls the rising of Jesus, the Divine Light, the Light of the world, from the dead.

 

 

3. The Easter Vigil Is Called the “Mother of All Vigils”

 

The Easter Vigil must take place after nightfall and must conclude before daybreak on Easter Sunday morning.

 

…this “mother of all vigils” is the “greatest and most noble of all solemnities” and “there is to be only one celebration in each church”…. On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory.

 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

 

Depending upon your parish, you may also witness people receiving their sacraments of initiation to become Catholic.

 

 

4. A New Paschal Candle Is First Lit at the Easter Vigil

 

After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, the sanctuary candle and all other candles and lights are extinguished as Jesus’ journey to Calvary begins.

 

The Easter Vigil begins with dimmed or no lights. When the Paschal Candle is lit, the new fire reminds Catholics of Christ’s Resurrection. The Light, which is Christ, is victorious over darkness and shows the promise of eternal life.

 

The Paschal Candle (also called the Easter Candle) remains in the sanctuary of the church throughout the Easter season and is typically placed near the ambo.

 

 

5. The Paschal Candle Is Meaningful Throughout the Year

 

The Paschal Candle is not only important for the Easter season. It is also lit throughout the year during baptisms, funerals, and ceremonies involving vows including the ordination of priests and vows of Consecrated Virgins.

 

• The candle also is a reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World.

 

• It is made of at least 51% beeswax, symbolizing the purity of Jesus.

 

• The wick stands for Christ’s humanity.

 

• The flame indicates His Divine Nature, and also the faith we receive and share with others.

 

 

6. Four Symbols Are Found on the Paschal Candle

 

• A cross representing Christ.

 

• Five grains of incense, each encased in red or gold wax, are embedded in the cross recalling the five wounds of Christ: three that pierced His hands and feet, the spear thrust into His side, and the crown of thorns.

 

• The numerals of the current year are located under the arms of the cross.

 

• The Greek letters alpha and omega (from the book of Revelation) are reminders that God is the beginning and the end.

 

 

7. The Date of Easter Changes Yearly with the Moon

 

In 325 AD the Council of Nicea determined that Easter should be standardized and linked to Jewish Passover, which occurs in the first month of spring on the Hebrew calendar.

 

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon. This is the first full moon occurring either on or after the vernal (spring) equinox of March 21^st.

 

 

8. Easter Is a Multiday Celebration and a Season with Other Feasts

 

Beginning with Easter Sunday, it is a continuous celebration in the Catholic Church that lasts 8 days. The 8^th day is the high point.

 

The Easter Season lasts 50 days, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday.

 

The three feasts during the Easter season include:

 

• Divine Mercy Sunday

 

• The Ascension of Jesus into heaven

 

• Pentecost/the Descent of the Holy Spirit

 

 

9. The Liturgical Color of the Easter Season Is White

 

The altar cloth and priest vestments are white throughout the 50 days of the Easter season. This represents innocence, joy, purity, and restoration.

 

 

We invite you to deepen your appreciation for the Easter season with Catholic Radio Network. You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.