Children's Liturgy Series: Easter Sunday (Cycle A)

In today's Gospel, we learn about how, when the women disciples of Jesus went to visit Jesus's tomb, they met an angel who told them that Jesus had risen. We learn how Jesus appeared to the women first before appearing to the apostles.

Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together to celebrate your glorious resurrection this Easter Sunday. Through Jesus's death on the cross you fulfilled your plan from the beginning, to redeem Adam and Eve and our broken humanity. Please send us the Holy Spirit so we can fully appreciate this ultimate gift you have given us, the gift of your only begotten Son. Help us to have the courage to bring others to know your infinite love and mercy through Jesus. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Point out to the children the objects or pictures that are displayed. Invite them to come around the table and tell what they know about each one.

Say: All the things we just saw and touched are signs of new life. They are the beginnings, the start, of life, and each will change as it grows. Seedlings will turn into flowers or grass or fruits or vegetables; bunnies will grow into rabbits; babies will become adults one day. They will all grow and change. These signs of new life help us discover something about the special feast we are celebrating this week. 

Ask: Can anyone tell us what feast it is? (Easter)

Say: Easter is also called the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Ask: What were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary looking for? (the tomb or place where Jesus’ body was laid) What did they find instead? (an angel) What did the angel tell them? (Jesus has been raised from the dead.)

Say: At Easter we celebrate the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead. And because Jesus has risen and is in Heaven, we know that one day we, too, can live in Heaven with God. That is the good news of the Gospel.

Invite the children to stand. Say: Raise both your hands above your head and pray with me three times: Jesus has risen. Alleluia!

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

He descended into hell;

on the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the Holy Catholic Church,

the communion of Saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting.

Amen