Children and the Triduum

There are those who say it might be best to leave children at home during Holy Week, and certainly that is true for very young children. My view from the choir loft, though, has given me some perspective on the whole question of how to celebrate the Triduum in general, and what to do about children of elementary school age at those celebrations in particular. The liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are richer and very different from the liturgies of the rest of the year, even those of other special feast days, such as Christmas and Easter. When the liturgies of the Triduum are thoughtfully prepared and elegantly celebrated, they are indeed fit for children. But when they are ill-prepared and awkwardly presented, it may be wiser to leave our children at home.

Prepare in Advance
When the celebrants and other liturgical ministers carefully prepare for each liturgy well in advance, when they study the prayers, practice the chants and carefully note the rubrics, when they practice the gestures indicated in the ritual and prepare the various sacramentals needed at each liturgy, everyone including children will be drawn into the prayerful action. The candles, oil, basins of water, crosses, fire, etc. should be ready and in their proper places. Rehearsals should also include the sacramentals’ locations and uses.

Let the Liturgical Symbols and Actions Speak
As a director of liturgy I take very seriously the responsibility to help prepare and celebrate this highpoint of the liturgical year as it is meant to be celebrated. Children are entranced by all the interesting and beautiful objects in the sanctuary. When liturgical ministers handle these objects reverently with large, confident gestures, the whole congregation is edified and inspired, including the children. There is no need to offer long-winded explanations of what is happening. The prayers prayed clearly and the gestures made confidently will speak for themselves. The actions and flow of the ritual can hold everyone’s attention, including the children.

The Power of Storytelling
When prepared lectors skillfully proclaim Scripture passages, children are pulled into the stories of creation, exodus, the crucifixion, and resurrection. I have seen children smile with recognition upon hearing of Pharaoh’s army drowning in the sea, or of the disciples falling asleep while Jesus prayed in the garden. They stand on tiptoe in excitement as their time to read during the Passion narrative approaches, and kneel reverently after hearing Jesus gave up his Spirit.

Prepare Children Beforehand
Catechists and parents can read or tell the stories in the weeks before the Triduum. Children can draw pictures; learn to sing psalm antiphons and other sung responses, and come to feel more at home with the wonderful story of our salvation and our annual celebration of that story. In doing so, the children who are unable to attend any of the Holy Week liturgies will have at least tasted their flavor and heard their somber tones. The children who will be among us in the congregation will be willing participants and perhaps in some ways our guides.

The Triduum celebrates the central mysteries of our faith and children, according to their ages, should be encouraged to participate at least in some of these sacred liturgies.

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Peg Bowman is director of liturgy at Sacred Heart Parish in Marengo, IL. She directs the children’s choir and also volunteers as a catechist.