Easter, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, is the central celebration of the Christian liturgical year. The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith, hope, and courage. Through Jesus’ Resurrection, we too will rise from the dead one day, both body and soul. These prayer celebrations will help participants share prayer during this holy season.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Easter for additional background information and prayer.


"Being Easter People" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread
Materials Needed		Prayer table, Bible, candle, loaf of uncut bread (or matzah), napkins, juice or water, cups, music, liturgy
Reading		Luke 24:13–35
Music		"Alleluia," "You Have Put On Christ," Blest Are We Music CD 2; "River of Glory" from Gifts for a Lifetime Music CD; "Jesus is Risen," Barbara Bridge (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Before the prayer celebration, print out and photocopy liturgy, "Being Easter People," for each child. Place the bread, napkins, juice or water on the prayer table. Prepare to have an agape, or fellowship, meal with children. Be sure they understand that such sharing is not the same as the Sacrament of Eucharist.
Adaptation		You may wish to bring in a bread machine and work together to make bread to share at the prayer celebration. Or, have your group work together to create a mural of Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus. Display the finished mural throughout the Easter season.
Additional Materials		"Alleluia," "You have Put On Christ" Blest Are We Music CD 2 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36653-0 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "River of Glory" Gifts for a Lifetime Music CD ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36113-X Gifts for a Lifetime Song Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36103-2 Gifts for a Lifetime Accompaniment Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36104-0