Celebrating the Easter Triduum with children

Abstract

The Easter Triduum is the summit of the liturgical year as it celebrates the central mysteries of our faith. All members of the Church, from a very young age, should be encouraged to fully participate in these central liturgies. Based on a literature research, for each day, this dissertation gives a brief yet deep historical development of the Easter Triduum and a study of the Liturgical Celebrations as we celebrate them in our time to enhance the knowledge of those working pastorally with children. Additionally, it makes various thoughtful proposals and recommendations on how children, according to their age, should be prepared by priests, catechists, children ministers and families in the weeks before the Triduum so children will be entranced by the ritual action. Moreover, through this catechises, children who are unable to attend any of these Sacred Celebrations will have at least tasted their spirituality. These liturgical-pastoral recommendations show that when thoughtfully prepared and well celebrated, the Sacred Triduum celebrations are fit for children and therefore, enhance an active participation in the Paschal Mystery in a vivid way. This results in the formation of children from a very young age, enabling them to grow spiritually, be one with Christ and continue to live an authentic way of life surrounded with God.