Holy Week

Journey Through Lent

As we enter Holy Week, we come to the final steps of our Lenten journey. 

Throughout these 40 days, we have been invited to pray, fast and give. In this sacred week, we walk more closely with Christ—reflecting on his suffering, death and the promise of new life.

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Church year. It begins with Palm Sunday and leads us through the final days of Jesus’ life—his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his Passion and Death on the Cross, and the joy of Easter. 

During this week, we are invited not just to remember these sacred events, but to enter them—to walk with Christ and reflect on what his life and sacrifice mean for us today. 

When is Holy Week?

In 2027, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, March 21, marking Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. It ends with the celebration of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil Mass on March 27.

“Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

—Philippians 2:7-8

Walking with Christ This Week

Each day of Holy Week offers a moment to pause and reflect more deeply. This journey is lived through prayer—through devotions that help us walk with Christ each day: 

• On Palm Sunday, we welcome Christ with hope. 
• On Holy Thursday, we remember Christ’s call to serve others. 
• On Good Friday, we reflect on sacrifice and love. 
• On Holy Saturday, we wait in hope for the promise of new life. 

As we move through this week, we are invited to stay present—to listen, to reflect and to allow these moments to shape our hearts.  

Holy Week is a time to return again and again. 

As each day unfolds, continue to reflect, pray and walk with Christ. Use the CRS Rice Bowl prayers and calendar this week to engage more deeply in this sacred journey. This week, we are also invited to pray in different ways—walking with Christ and reflecting with Mary. 

This Week in Lent 

This week, consider: 

• Where do you see Christ’s love reflected in your own life? 
• How are you being invited to serve others more fully? 
• What might it mean to carry the spirit of Lent into your daily life? 

You might choose one way to enter more deeply—through prayer, reflection or acts of love. 

Even in these small moments, God continues to work within us.

A Time to Reflect and Respond

Holy Week invites us to see more clearly the depth of Christ’s love. Through his life and sacrifice, we are reminded of the call to care for others—to live our faith with intention. 

As we reflect on this week, we are invited to respond through acts of compassion and generosity.

For Your Community: Sharing This Journey Together

Holy Week offers meaningful moments to reflect as a community. 

Consider how your parish, school or family might: 

• Reflect on the events of Holy Week together. 
• Include prayer or quiet time during the week. 
• Reflect on the stories of hope shared throughout Lent and what they reveal about God’s presence in our world. 

These shared experiences help deepen faith and strengthen our connection to one another. 

Looking Beyond Lent  

What began with simple practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving do not end with Lent. 

The good habits we have practiced continue to shape how we live our faith each day. As we journey toward Easter, we are invited to carry this spirit forward, caring for others and sharing our blessings.