Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Easter Week For Christians around the world, the week following Easter is set apart. It is a time to slow down, to rest, and to continue celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. In many countries, Easter Monday is observed as a holiday, schools are closed, work is paused, and families gather together in joy. This is not just a single day of celebration, but a full week that invites us to remain in the joy of the resurrection. This day also begins a longer season in the Church calendar known as Eastertide. For fifty days, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, we continue to celebrate the resurrection. Just as we prepared for Easter during Lent, we now remain in this season of joy, reflecting on what Christ’s resurrection means for our lives and for the world. It is a time to continue gathering, feasting, and giving thanks as we live in the light of the risen Lord. From the Scriptures On Easter Monday, the Church turns our attention to the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Two followers of Jesus are walking away from Jerusalem, weighed down with grief and confusion. The one they believed to be the Messiah has been crucified, and they are trying to make sense of all that has happened. As they walk, a stranger joins them and asks why they are troubled. They share everything, their disappointment, their sorrow, and the reports they have heard that the tomb is empty. The stranger begins to explain the Scriptures to them, walking through Moses and the Prophets and showing how all of it pointed to Christ, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. Still, they do not recognize Him. When they reach their destination, they invite Him to stay with them. At the table, He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. In that moment, their eyes are opened, and they recognize that it is Jesus. And then He disappears from their sight. They reflect on the experience, realizing that their hearts had been stirred as He spoke to them along the road. Without delay, they return to Jerusalem to share the news with the others that the Lord has risen and that they have seen Him. Ways to Celebrate Read Luke 24:13–35. Take time to read and reflect on this passage together. Discuss. What must it have been like to have Jesus walking alongside you? Why do you think they didn’t recognize Him at first? What parts of Scripture do you think Jesus explained as they walked? Take an Emmaus Walk. Go for a walk together, just as the disciples did. Use the time to talk, pray, or reflect quietly, remembering that Christ is present with us. Play an egg-cracking game. Easter Monday is traditionally a day for games like egg-cracking. Each person taps their hard-boiled egg against another’s, trying to crack the other egg without breaking their own. There are different variations around the world. In Switzerland, a coin is used instead of another egg. If the coin cracks the shell and sticks, the adult keeps the egg. If not, the child keeps the coin. In other places, a nail is used, symbolizing the nails of the Crucifixion. Learn more HERE . Learn about the egg as a symbol of Easter. The egg is a reminder of the sealed tomb and the new life that comes from it. Learn more HERE . Make something special. Prepare a special, simple dessert, like strawberry shortcake , and continue celebrating together. Living Easter Week For the rest of this first week of Easter, continue to make space for rest, good food, and time together. Keep the celebration going in simple, tangible ways as you reflect on the resurrection. A blessed Easter Monday and a blessed Eastertide to you!

Tomorrow is Holy Saturday. Jesus, the hope of so many, had been brutally crucified and buried on Good Friday. We can only begin to imagine the anguish His followers must have felt, the shock, the grief, and the deep sense of loss. The man who had so radically changed their lives, the one they believed to be their Savior, was gone. Holy Saturday is marked by that quiet devastation, a day filled with waiting and uncertainty. And yet, through Scripture, we know that this day was not empty. This is the day that Jesus descended to the dead, where the Gospel was proclaimed even there. His saving work did not cease. Even in death, He was at work, though the world could not yet see it. Holy Saturday places us in a space between two realities, between the sorrow of the cross and the joy of the resurrection. It is a day suspended between darkness and light, between death and the promise of new life. We remember the grief of those who loved Him, and at the same time, we live with the knowledge of what is to come. The next day is Easter. The Great Vigil of Easter Traditionally, the Great Vigil of Easter is the very first celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. As night falls on Holy Saturday, Christians around the world gather for this beautiful liturgy. The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the Church’s oldest services. It was already well-established by the 4th century. Traditionally, the service began late in the evening and lasted until well after midnight so that the new day (Easter) could be met with the celebration of the Easter Eucharist. It is on this “most holy night” that our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life. We as the Church, throughout the world, gather in vigil and prayer to remember the Passover of the Lord. For in hearing his holy Word and celebrating his Sacraments we as the Church share in his victory over death. Through the Vigil, the mystery of Easter becomes alive and we all are incorporated into the saving acts of Christ. The Easter Vigil begins with the Service of Light. A fire is lit outside of the church and we are reminded that Christ is the Light of the world as the Paschal candle is lit from the fire. The church which has been stripped bare is gradually filled with the light of Christ as each person’s candle is lit from the fire of the Paschal candle as it is processed into the church. We as a congregation listen in wonder as the Exsultet, the traditional Great Easter Proclamation, is sung. We rejoice in “the victory of our mighty King” for “darkness has been vanquished” and we pray for “the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light!" From the Service of Light, we move to the Service of Lessons in which the whole history of salvation is proclaimed through the reading of holy scriptures. We begin with the story of creation in Genesis and we move through the Old Testament concluding with the regathering of God’s people in the book of Zephaniah. We now move on to the Service of Holy Baptism. It was customary for converts to the faith to prepare for Holy Baptism throughout Lent. Their preparation complete, they would experience the joy of Holy Baptism at the Great Vigil and receive for the very first time the sanctified Bread and Wine, the blessed Body and Blood of our Lord, in the first Holy Eucharist of Easter. It was a wondrous and joyous time. Today we still baptize people at the Great Vigil and everyone in the congregation joins with them in renewing their commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. After the baptisms, the celebrant faces the people and proclaims the Great Alleluia three times in jubilation, “Alleluia! Christ is Risen!” To which the people respond three times in jubilation, “The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!” The Alleluias are back for the first time since Lent began over 40 days before and with this triumphant exchange, the candles at the altar are lit with the light of the Paschal candle, the lights in the church are thrown on, all in the congregation who brought bells begin ringing them and the altar is vested with all the glory of Easter. Christ is Risen from the dead! Traditionally, the Eastern Orthodox Church reads St. John Chrysostom’s incomparable Paschal Sermon. This homily has been read faithfully for centuries at the Great Vigil of Easter. It is a powerful sermon that proclaims that “the Lord gives generously. The Lord accepts the offering of every work. The Lord honors every deed and commends every intention... You who have kept the fast, and you who have not, rejoice this day, for the Table is richly spread! Feast royally upon it, for He has prepared the fatted calf. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all of you, of the banquet of faith. Come and enjoy the bounty of the Lord’s goodness!” The final and ultimate part of the Vigil is the celebration of the Easter Eucharist. Christ has become our Passover Lamb. He has won for us salvation. And as we partake of this holy Sacrament, the Eucharist, we “celebrate the memorial of our redemption” and offer thanks to God that we have been “graciously accepted as living members of his Son our Savior Jesus Christ.” Because of his great love for us, we have passed from death to life. Because of his death and triumphant resurrection, we have been redeemed and brought back to our true home! Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Ways to Observe Holy Saturday Read Matthew 27:57–66 Take time to discuss together: Why do you think Joseph of Arimathea offered his tomb for Jesus? Why were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary waiting outside the tomb? How do you think they felt as they waited? What were the Pharisees afraid might happen to Jesus’ body? What did Pilate do in response? Prepare your home and heart for Easter: Dye Easter eggs Set out your church clothes for the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Begin preparing an Easter feast Attend an Easter Vigil service Make Resurrection Cookies with your family. Resurrection Cookies are meringue cookies made with intentional steps and Scripture readings that walk through the story of Christ’s death and resurrection. The cookies are placed in a warm oven overnight, and when opened on Easter morning, they are hollow inside, just like the empty tomb. the recipe - Resurrection Cookies After supper, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Then assemble the ingredients for the Resurrection cookies. 3 eggs, separated 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 cup of sugar pinch of salt 1 cup of pecans A Bible Place pecans in a plastic baggie and let your children beat them with a wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Explain to them that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into a mixing bowl. Explain to them that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was only given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. Add egg whites to vinegar. Explain to them that eggs represent life and that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain to them that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain to them that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because of his great love for us. He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain to them that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain to them that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66. Explain to them that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20-22. Now, go to bed. When you wake up the next morning it’s Easter! Open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Read Matthew 28:1-9 and rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection!

Good Friday is the most solemn day of the Church year. It holds profound significance for Christians as we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His death at Calvary. It is a day marked by deep spiritual gravity as we remember the sacrificial love of Christ, who bore the sins of the world and “reconciled to Himself all things, whether in heaven or on earth, making peace by the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). As we observe Good Friday, we are invited into a time of quiet reflection and reverence. Christians around the world pause to consider this pivotal moment in our salvation story, when God’s love was fully revealed through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. In Scripture The events of Good Friday, the betrayal, trials, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ, are recorded in all four Gospels. After His arrest, Jesus was brought before the Jewish religious leaders, including the high priest Caiaphas. There, He was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. Though He offered little defense, the council declared Him guilty and determined that He deserved death. Because they did not have the authority to carry out an execution, Jesus was then sent to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. He was accused of claiming to be a king, which was seen as a threat to Roman authority. Although Pilate found no fault in Him, he attempted to appease the crowd by offering to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a known criminal. Influenced by the chief priests, the crowd chose Barabbas. Pilate, symbolically washing his hands to show his innocence, ultimately handed Jesus over to be crucified. According to Luke’s account, Pilate also sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who likewise found no reason for condemnation and returned Him. Jesus was then mocked, beaten, and crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers. He was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” where He was crucified between two criminals. Above His head, a sign declared Him “King of the Jews” in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. During the crucifixion, darkness came over the land, and Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Before His death, He entrusted the care of His mother to the disciple John and declared, “It is finished.” At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, the earth shook, and tombs were opened, revealing the significance of what had taken place. After His death, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who had not agreed with their decision, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb, which had been cut into the rock. The tomb was sealed with a large stone and guarded. Prophetic Fulfillment The events of Good Friday are not only historical but deeply rooted in prophecy. The suffering and death of Jesus fulfill what had been foretold in the Old Testament, revealing that His sacrifice was part of God’s redemptive plan from the beginning. In Isaiah, we read of the “suffering servant,” one who is despised, rejected, and bears the sins of many. This passage has long been understood as pointing to Christ and the purpose of His suffering. Psalm 22 begins with the very words Jesus spoke on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The psalm goes on to describe details that closely reflect the crucifixion, including the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for garments, while ultimately turning toward hope and praise. Zechariah 12:10 speaks of one who is pierced and mourned, which is fulfilled in the piercing of Christ’s side during the crucifixion (John 19:34–37). Psalm 34:20 declares that not one of the righteous man’s bones will be broken. This, too, is fulfilled in Jesus, as His legs were not broken, unlike those of others who were crucified. The Good Friday Service Good Friday has been observed by the Church since at least the fourth century. Early accounts from Jerusalem describe believers gathering to venerate the cross and remember the events of Christ’s Passion. Today, the Good Friday service remains deeply somber. Traditionally held between noon and 3 p.m., it marks the hours Christ spent on the cross. The church is stark and stripped bare. The altar is without cloths, candles, or adornment. Crosses may be veiled, and the clergy are often dressed in black, reflecting the Church’s posture of mourning. During the service, a wooden cross is brought forward, and the congregation is invited to reflect on its meaning. O ye people who pass by on your journey, behold and see,Look upon me: Could there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow?Behold and see, all ye people come, give heed,And consider my grief and sorrow.— O Vos Omnes , Tomás Luis de Victoria The Veneration of the Cross follows, an ancient practice in which believers honor the Cross and what was accomplished through it. We are reminded of the words of John 3:16–17, that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, not to condemn the world, but to save it. Holy Communion is not consecrated on Good Friday. In some traditions, however, the faithful receive from the reserved sacrament that was set apart the night before. This is the last time the Eucharist is received until Easter. The service concludes with the Lord’s Prayer, and all depart in silence. The Stations of the Cross Many churches also offer the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. This devotional practice traces the events of Christ’s final day, from His condemnation to His burial. The Stations originated as a way for early Christians to retrace Jesus’ steps along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. Over time, this practice was brought into local churches so that all believers could participate in this prayerful remembrance. There are fourteen stations, each marking a moment in Christ’s suffering. As individuals or families move from station to station, they are invited to reflect, pray, and consider the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. Ways to Observe Good Friday Read Luke 23:1–54, Isaiah 52:13–53:12, and Psalm 22 Attend a Good Friday service at your church Observe a fast, as this is a traditional fast day of the Church Many abstain from meat and alcohol Some observe a more complete fast, taking only water This is not expected of young children but may be practiced by adults and older children Walk the Stations of the Cross, either at church or at home Watch a film about the life of Christ or listen to sacred music Cover crosses in your home with black cloth Wear black as a sign of mourning, and explain its meaning to your children You may also choose to make Hot Cross Buns, a long-standing Good Friday tradition. These buns, marked with the sign of the cross, date back to at least 1361 at St. Alban’s Abbey, where they were distributed to the poor. They are traditionally eaten after the Good Friday service and serve as a simple reminder of the Cross. the recipe - Hot Cross Buns 1 package dry yeast ¼ cup warm water (100-110 degrees) 1 teaspoon white or light brown sugar 1 cup milk ½ cup butter 1/3 cup brown or raw sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs, beaten 4 to 4 ½ cups sifted flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground ginger 2/3 cup dried currants or raisins Icing: 2 tablespoons milk 4 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar (more if needed) Grated rind of one lemon Sprinkle the yeast into the lukewarm water. Stir in one teaspoon sugar. Let sit until frothy. Scald the milk. Add the butter, sugar and salt. Stir until blended. Cool to lukewarm. Beat the eggs until light, and combine with the milk mixture. Add the yeast. Sift 3 ½ cups of the flour with the spices into a mixing bowl. Make a well, and pour in the yeast mixture. Beat for 5 minutes. Toss the currants with the remaining ½ cup of flour. Mix into the dough. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be fairly firm: otherwise, it will not take the cuts for the cross. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top. Cover the dough with a towel and put it to rise in a draft-free spot until doubled in volume; this will take about two hours. Punch the dough down. Shape it into two dozen buns. Place them 1 ½ to 2 inches apart on well-greased cookie sheets or in muffin tins. With a sharp knife, cut a cross on the top of each bun. Allow them to rise until doubled in bulk, 30 to 45 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. For the frosting: Mix the milk with enough sugar so that the icing is not runny. Add the rind. Brush a cross on the top of each bun. Recipe from A Continual Feast.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the holiest week of the Church year. During this week, we walk with Jesus through His final days before His crucifixion, following Him step by step as the story of our salvation unfolds. The tone of the week begins with joy as we remember His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Like the crowds in the Gospels, we take up palm branches and cry out, “Hosanna,” proclaiming Jesus as the King of Kings and remembering His ultimate victory over death. We also pray that we, who bear these palms, may “ever hail Him as our King and follow Him in the way that leads to eternal life” (Book of Common Prayer). And yet, this day holds both joy and sorrow. The celebration of His arrival already points toward the path to the cross. We are reminded of our own human frailty, for the same voices that shouted “Hosanna” would soon cry out for His crucifixion. At the same time, we see more clearly the humility of Christ. He does not enter in power or force, but in peace and gentleness, inviting us to consider the true nature of His kingdom. The Scripture Story of Palm Sunday All four Gospels recount Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), fully aware that this journey would lead to His death. Along the way, He continued teaching, healing, and proclaiming the coming of God’s kingdom. As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples ahead with a clear instruction: to find a donkey and her colt, untie them, and bring them to Him. The disciples obeyed, placing their cloaks on the animals as makeshift saddles. As he entered the city, a great crowd gathered. They spread their cloaks and palm branches along the road, welcoming Him with shouts of praise: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Not everyone received Him with joy. The Pharisees were troubled by the crowd’s response and urged Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But He answered that if they were silent, the very stones would cry out (Luke 19:39–40). As Jesus drew near and looked upon Jerusalem, He wept. His sorrow was for those who did not recognize the moment before them, for the peace that could have been theirs. He foresaw the suffering that would come, knowing that the city would one day be besieged and brought to ruin. The Symbols of Palm Sunday Palms In the Roman world, palm branches were a symbol of triumph and victory. They were used to honor those of great importance, laid along the road, and waved in celebration. In the life of the early Church, palms also came to represent the victory of martyrs, those who remained faithful even unto death. They appear again in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation stands before the throne, clothed in white and holding palm branches in their hands. Riding on a Donkey Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!See, your king comes to you,righteous and victorious,lowly and riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey. The choice of a donkey is significant. Kings rode horses in times of war, but donkeys in times of peace. In this, Jesus reveals the nature of His kingdom, not one of earthly conquest, but of peace, humility, and self-giving love. The Palm Sunday Service Palm Sunday typically begins with the Liturgy of the Palms. Many congregations gather outside the church, where palm branches are blessed and distributed. The Gospel account of the triumphal entry is read, and the people process into the church, carrying their palms and singing hymns such as All Glory, Laud, and Honor , echoing the cries of “Hosanna.” A reading of the Passion of Christ also plays a central role in the service. Often read dramatically, with different voices representing the various figures in the narrative, it invites us to enter more deeply into the story of Christ’s suffering and death, setting the tone for the days that follow. The vestments for the day are a deep red, recalling the blood of Christ and pointing ahead to the sacrifice He is about to make. Palm Sunday Traditions Around the World Palm Sunday is observed in many beautiful and varied ways across the world: In India, the congregation repeats “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord God” three times, followed by a communal shout of “Hosanna,” and marigolds are scattered throughout the sanctuary. In northern regions where palms are not available, branches such as pussy willows are used. In Latvia, the day is known as “Pussy Willow Sunday,” and the branches are sometimes used in playful traditions to “wake” children. In Hoegaarden, Belgium, a large procession takes place, with men dressed as the apostles carrying a wooden statue of Christ through the town, while children offer palms in exchange for coins. In the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches, where the day is often called “Hosanna,” palm leaves are woven into crosses and other forms before being distributed. In the Philippines, a statue of Christ riding a donkey is processed through the streets, with people lining the route and waving intricately woven palms. In parts of England, Pax Cakes (“peace cakes”) are distributed. This tradition dates back centuries and was intended to encourage reconciliation among parishioners before Easter Communion. Ways to Observe Palm Sunday Read Matthew 21:1–11 Take time to read the account of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, either on your own or with your family. Attend a Palm Sunday service Holy Week is one of the most important times in the Christian year. Traditionally, every effort is made to attend the services of this week. Keep your palms Because the palms are blessed, they should not be thrown away. Many people bring them home and place them near a cross or doorway, or press them into a Bible. They are often returned to the church the following year to be burned for Ash Wednesday. Recommit to your Lenten discipline As Holy Week begins, consider returning with intention to the practices you may have set aside during Lent. Make a Palm Sunday wreath Create a simple wreath using palm branches and a red ribbon. If palms are not available, any greenery can be used. Make a Palm Sunday mobile A simple and meaningful way to decorate your home, especially with children, using materials you already have. Make Pax Cakes Try baking traditional round shortbreads stamped with Christian symbols such as the lamb or Chi Rho. Recipe at the end of the article. Holy Week begins here. We welcome Christ with joy, even as we know where the road leads. And as we take up our palms and join the crowd, we are invited not only to remember, but to follow, to walk with Him through the days ahead. the recipe - Pax Cakes 3/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup powdered sugar 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Add the vanilla salt. Add flour and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut with a round cookie cutter or a clean jelly jar. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature. When the cookies are cool, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Blen the powdered sugar with enough milk to form a thin icing. Put icing in a sandwich baggie and clip a corner of the baggie to use to pipe the icing. Draw the Chi Rho insignia on each cookie.

Today is St. Joseph’s Day, the day that we remember the foster father of Jesus. St. Joseph is such an important role model for Christians all over the world. Just like Mary, he was specially chosen by God, and just like Mary, he listened to God and obeyed. St. Joseph is only mentioned in the first few chapters of the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is really interesting to go back through those chapters with your focus on Joseph. What must it have been like for him? As I read through the chapters, I was struck by how much St. Joseph was guided by an angel of the Lord. I am very aware of the angel of the Lord appearing to Mary but I had never noticed how much the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph. So, today, in honor of St. Joseph, read through the first chapters of Matthew and Luke, really thinking about it all through Joseph’s eyes. Notice all that the gospel writers say about him and notice all of the times the angel of the Lord appears to him and what the angel says. Other ways to celebrate: Read Matthew 1:18-24 . Discuss what it must have been like to be Joseph. Do you think he was scared or confused? Did Joseph obey the angel? Discuss how Joseph's obedience to the Lord protected Mary and the unborn baby Jesus. St. Joseph was a carpenter. Let your kids hammer nails into scraps of wood. Talk about the craft of carpentry and how Joseph taught Jesus how to be a carpenter. Make something with figs. In Italy, figs, especially fig cookies are associated with St. Joseph. We made a wonderful fig cookie filled with figs, chocolate, and orange marmalade BUT if you don’t feel like baking, simply pick up a package of fig newtons or fig preserves from your grocery store. St. Joseph’s Day Fig Cookies INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 lb. whole dried figs Zest of 1 orange 1 c. blanched almonds 1/2 c. orange marmalade 1/2 c. mini semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 c. granulated sugar 1 tsp. Dutch-processed cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder 1 c. solid vegetable shortening 1 tbsp. red decorating sugar 1 tbsp. green decorating sugar DIRECTIONS Place figs and orange zest in a food processor and chop, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add almonds, marmalade, chocolate chips, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cloves, and cinnamon to mixture; combine. Add warm water, 1 teaspoon at a time (up to 2 teaspoons), until mixture reaches consistency of a thick paste. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine flour, remaining granulated sugar, and baking powder on low speed. With mixer still on low, add shortening, 1 tablespoon at a time (up to 1 cup), and mix until resembling coarse crumbs. Then add water, 1 teaspoon at a time (up to 1 cup), until dough begins to ball around paddle. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Using damp hands, shape each piece into a 10-inch-long log, 1 inch thick. Cut each log into 10 coins. (Keep any dough you're not using covered with a damp cloth.) Using a rolling pin, roll out each coin to a 3-inch round, about 1/8-inch thickness. Place 1 heaping teaspoon fig filling in center of each round of dough. Using your fingers, bring 2 sides of the round up and pinch them over the filling, sealing edges of dough. Turn cookie over so seam is on bottom; then shape cookie into an almond shape. Repeat with remaining dough. Transfer cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. With a sharp paring knife, score several vents on top of each cookie (as shown in photo). Sprinkle cookies with decorating sugar. Bake cookies until lightly golden, 16 to 20 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Holy Week is one of the most beautiful and solemn weeks of the entire Church year. It is a time to slow down and enter in more intentionally, walking through the final days of Jesus’ earthly life and allowing the rhythm of the Church and its liturgy to shape our homes, our habits, and our hearts. After the long path of Lent, Holy Week invites us not simply to remember what happened long ago, but to participate in it in a real and present way. The Church gives us this week as a gift, not to rush through, but to dwell within. Below is a simple overview of each day, offering a sense of the movement and meaning of the week. You’ll also find links to more detailed reflections and family ideas so you can prepare ahead and walk this journey with intention. An Overview of the Week March 29 – Palm Sunday March 30 – Holy Monday March 31 – Holy Tuesday April 1 – Spy Wednesday The Triduum April 2 – Maundy Thursday April 3 – Good Friday April 4 – Holy Saturday (until sundown) April 4 – The Great Easter Vigil (begins at sundown) April 5 – Easter Sunday Palm Sunday Holy Week begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We join the crowds in welcoming Him with palms and cries of “Hosanna,” even as we know how quickly those cries will change. There is a tension held within this day, the joy of His welcome and the shadow of the cross already beginning to fall. Read more about Palm Sunday here . Holy Monday After entering Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the Temple and drives out the money changers. It is a day of cleansing and of calling things back into right order, as He makes space for true worship. In the Church’s tradition, Holy Monday also became a day of practical preparation, as households began cleaning and preparing for the celebration of Easter. Read more about Holy Monday here . Holy Tuesday (Fig Tuesday) On this day, Jesus teaches boldly. He curses the fig tree and speaks in parables, confronting hypocrisy and calling His followers to bear fruit. Sometimes called Fig Tuesday, this day invites us to examine our own hearts and consider whether our lives are rooted in genuine faith. Read more about Holy Tuesday here . Spy Wednesday Spy Wednesday marks Judas’ betrayal, his quiet agreement with the chief priests to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. It is a sobering day, one that invites honest reflection. In what ways might we, too, turn away from Christ, even in small or subtle ways? Read more about Spy Wednesday here . Entering the Triduum The Triduum (pronounced TRIH-doo-um ) means “the Three Days.” It is the sacred heart of Holy Week. Beginning at sundown on Maundy Thursday, continuing through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and culminating in the Easter Vigil, these are not separate events but one continuous liturgy. Together, they invite us to walk with Christ through His Passion, death, and resurrection. More than any other time of the year, these days call us to remember what Christ has done for us, and what it means to be called His friends. Maundy Thursday Maundy Thursday draws us into the Upper Room. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, shares the Last Supper, and gives us the gift of the Eucharist. The name “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum , meaning “commandment,” referring to His words: “A new command I give you: love one another.” The night ends in sorrow, as Jesus goes to Gethsemane and is arrested. Read more about Maundy Thursday here . Good Friday Good Friday is the most solemn day of the Church year. We remember Christ’s Passion, His trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. The Church is stripped bare. The altar stands empty. We meditate on the cross and the cost of our redemption. And yet, even here, we call it “good,” because through the cross, salvation has come. Read more about Good Friday here . Holy Saturday Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and quiet. Jesus lies in the tomb. The disciples are scattered and grieving. And yet, even in this stillness, God is at work. Christ descends to the dead, and the world seems to hold its breath. This is the space between, after the cross, but before the resurrection. Read more about Holy Saturday here . The Great Easter Vigil As night falls on Holy Saturday, we enter into the Great Vigil of Easter, the most beautiful and profound liturgy of the entire Church year. It begins in darkness, echoing the stillness of the tomb. Then a flame is kindled, the Paschal candle is lit, and the light of Christ begins to spread. Through Scripture, we journey from creation to resurrection, hearing again the great story of salvation. The Alleluia returns, bells ring out, and we proclaim: Christ is risen, He is risen indeed! This liturgy moves from silence to song, from darkness to light, from mourning to joy. It is the turning point of the Church year, the moment when everything changes. Read more about The Great Easter Vigil here . Easter Sunday Easter Sunday is the most joyful and triumphant day of the Christian year. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! After the sorrow of the cross and the silence of the tomb, we rejoice in the victory of the resurrection. Death has been defeated, and new life has begun. The Church is filled with light, flowers, and song. The Alleluia returns, and we proclaim the Good News: Jesus lives, and because of Him, we have the hope of eternal life. Easter is not only a day, it is the beginning of a season. For fifty days, the Church continues to celebrate the resurrection, remembering that the story does not end at the empty tomb. It continues in us, as we live as people of the risen King. Read more about Easter Sunday here . Let the Sacred Shape Your Days This is the week when everything changes. When we slow down, enter in, and walk each day with Jesus, we begin to see that Holy Week is not just something to observe, it is something to live. Whether you are able to attend every service or are walking through these days quietly at home, trust that the Lord will meet you there. Let the days unfold with reverence. Let your home be shaped by the sacred. And prepare your heart, because Easter is coming!

On March 25, we celebrate one of the most incredible mysteries of our faith, the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and proclaimed that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This day marks the very moment of the Incarnation when God Himself took on flesh within Mary’s womb. The Church proclaims with awe: Today is the beginning of our salvation, God is come among men; He who cannot be contained is contained in a womb; the timeless enters time. A great mystery! His conception is without seed, his emptying past telling! So great is this mystery! For God empties himself, takes flesh, and is fashioned as a creature when the angel tells the pure Virgin of her conception: ‘Rejoice, you who are full of grace; the Lord who has great mercy is with you!’ - Stichera of the Annunciation, St. John the Monk Though we often think of Christmas as the celebration of Christ’s coming, it is at the Annunciation that His earthly life truly begins. Nine months before we celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day, we celebrate this sacred beginning, marveling at the humility of God and the faith of Mary, who gave her “yes” to God’s plan of salvation. The Annunciation in Scripture When the fullness of time had come, God sent the angel Gabriel to a young girl named Mary. Mary listened in awe as she was told that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and that he would be called the Son of the Most High and reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary humbly accepted her role, responding, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word.” This incredible response from Mary is known as Mary’s Fiat . The term fiat comes from the Latin word for “let it be” or “so be it.” Mary’s fiat is an incredible act of faith, obedience, and surrender to God’s will. Her acceptance of God’s plan without hesitation has made her a model of faith for many Christians and is a central theme in Christian theology and devotion. Her “yes” to God’s plan contrasts with Eve’s disobedience, making Mary’s “fiat” a critical moment in salvation history. The entire event, known as the Annunciation, is also a central moment in Christian belief, signifying the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. At this moment, Mary becomes what is known as Theotokos , or “God-bearer,” often translated as “Mother of God.” The title emphasizes Mary’s role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, who is recognized as fully God and fully human in Christian doctrine. By calling Mary the Theotokos , the Church affirms the belief in the divine nature of Christ from the moment of His conception. A Feast of Joy and Faith The Feast of the Annunciation is a time to marvel at God’s great love for us, that He would humble Himself to take on our nature, all through Mary’s simple, faithful “yes.” It is a day to rejoice, to reflect, and to ask: “How can I, like Mary, respond to God’s call with trust and obedience?” Let us take inspiration from her words and say with her: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation Read Luke 1:26-38. Gather as a family and read the Annunciation passage together. Discuss what it must have been like for Mary to receive such astonishing news. Reflect on her faith and obedience, and ask: Has God ever asked you to do something that felt difficult or uncertain? How did Mary respond to God’s call? How can we imitate her trust? Make Waffles! In Sweden, the Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated with waffles covered in whipped cream and berry jam. This tradition dates back to the 12th century, originating from a linguistic mix-up: the Swedish word for the feast, Vårfrudagen (Our Lady’s Day), was misheard as Våffeldagen (Waffle Day)! Enjoy this simple waffle recipe (included below) and serve with syrup or the traditional berry jam with whipped cream. Bake Annunciation Cupcakes. Bake cupcakes with a hidden surprise inside to symbolize the moment when Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb: Before baking, insert a small chocolate chip or piece of candy into each cupcake batter. Frost with pale blue icing, the color traditionally associated with Mary. As you enjoy them, explain how Jesus, though hidden, was truly present in Mary from the moment of the Annunciation. Decorate with Red Carnations. Place red carnations in a vase as a centerpiece. The red symbolizes the Incarnation, while the flower itself represents the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a simple yet beautiful way to visually remind your family of the great mystery we celebrate today. Plant Marigold Seeds. The marigold is named after Mary ( Mary’s gold ). Planting marigold seeds on this day provides a hands-on way for children to understand the idea of hidden life growing within, just as Jesus began His earthly life in Mary’s womb, unseen but fully present. Make an Annunciation Candle. Create a special candle to symbolize Mary carrying Jesus: Take a pale blue or white pillar candle. Carve out a small niche in the side. Place a tiny image of baby Jesus inside the niche (cut from a Christmas card or printed from an online source). Cover the niche with a small piece of fabric and secure it with pins. the recipe - Annunciation Waffles 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 2 cups milk 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons oil 2 heaping teaspoons of baking powder Preheat your waffle iron. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Grease the waffle iron and slowly pour in the batter. Cook until golden brown and crisp. Serve with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

This Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick was a real person, and his conversion story is incredible. As a young boy, he was ripped from his home and forced into slavery. God gave him a vision that led to his escape, and he made it back to his family. But here’s the part that really gets me, he felt called to go back to the very people who had enslaved him to share the gospel! His story of redemption and forgiveness is just so powerful, and I love sharing it with my kids. One of my favorite ways to do that is through books. There are tons of books out there about St. Patrick, but a lot of them skip over the best parts, the real ways God worked in his life. So here are some of my favorites that actually tell the full story. St. Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop by Ned Bustard I love Ned Bustard’s books! First of all, his linocut illustrations are so unique and beautiful. Secondly, I love how the book tells all about who St. Patrick really was and emphasizes his remarkable story of love and forgiveness. Your kids will love this book! Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola If you have seen any of my other book recommendations, then you know that I love anything that Tomie dePaola writes. Like Bustard, his illustrations are so unique and whimsical and he always gives a faithful Christian account of the saint. In this book, dePaola recounts the life of St. Patrick from his noble birth in Britain to his captivity in Ireland, to the visions which led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland. It’s a perfect introduction to St. Patrick and his conversion. Patrick and the Fire: A Legend About Saint Patrick by Cornelia Bilinsky This is an unusual telling of St. Patrick in that it is told from the perspective of a young goatherd named Bevan. Bevan is excited about the annual festival bonfire celebrating the god of light. But when a stranger named Patrick appears, Bevan learns about one God in three persons instead. It’s a great book emphasizing the work that Patrick did in spreading the gospel to the Irish. The Story of St. Patrick’s Day by Patricia Pingry This cute little board book presents the story of Saint Patrick’s Day in a way that is simple enough for a toddler to understand. Vibrant illustrations are paired with the text and help create the connection between the story of the life of Saint Patrick and the way the holiday is celebrated today. Patrick of Ireland by Simonetta Carr The name St. Patrick is associated with three-leaf clovers and leprechauns, but what was his life really like? Simonetta Carr tells the inspiring story of how Patrick’s suffering as a slave opened his eyes to the mercy of God and prepared him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Get to know the real Patrick of Ireland as young readers learn that the joy of the Lord will sustain them through difficult times and strengthen them to share the gospel. Paddy and the Wolves: A Story about St. Patrick as a Boy by Steve Nagel Young Paddy can’t sit still during morning prayers, but he’s more than happy to help the shepherd, Barra, watch sheep for the day! But who will watch Paddy when he wanders into the woods? As he explores the wilderness of coastal Britain, Paddy encounters many delights and dangers--and ultimately, the One who watches over him through it all. Did I miss any good ones? If, so, please share your favorites!

In my hometown, St. Patrick’s Day was a really big deal! We all wore green to school, and if you forgot? Let’s just say I have not-so-great memories of being pinched ALL. DAY. LONG. That night, our local Irish pub hosted a huge beer festival and parade. Everyone gathered downtown to watch the great processions of men in kilts playing bagpipes. It was so much fun! But here’s the thing, in all of those years celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I had no idea that he was a real person, and that his story was quite touching. Who Was St. Patrick? St. Patrick grew up in the 400s in Britain, born into a family of devout Christians. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. When he was just sixteen years old, his village was raided by Irish marauders and he was kidnapped, taken by ship to Ireland, where he became a slave for six years. During that time, Patrick was forced to herd sheep for a local chieftain, living in isolation with very little food or clothing. Even though Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, he wrote in his Confessions that he didn’t really know God, but that through his sufferings in Ireland, he began to think about God, then speak to God, until he was praying hundreds of prayers day and night. He says it was the only thing that kept him going through those brutal years. The Escape After six long years of slavery, Patrick heard a voice while sleeping, telling him he was about to depart for his homeland and that a ship was ready for him. He escaped from his slavemaster, fled two hundred miles, and convinced a ship’s captain to give him passage. Three days later, he was back on the shores of his homeland. He was eventually reunited with his family, and, as you can imagine, there was much rejoicing. The Return Patrick continued his life of prayer and began studying scripture. He traveled to France, where he studied and entered the priesthood under the guidance of the missionary Saint Germain, and was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre around 418 AD. During this time, Patrick had a vision in which he heard the voice of the Irish saying to him, “We beg you, holy servant boy, to come and walk again among us.” He knew he was being called to return. He left Ireland a slave, but he would return as a missionary. In 432 AD, he was ordained as a bishop and sent by Pope Celestine I to Ireland to spread the gospel to non-believers while also supporting the small community of Christians already living there. Patrick already knew the Irish language and their customs, which helped him greatly. For the rest of his life, he traveled throughout Ireland, sharing the good news and converting thousands to the Christian faith. As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let us give thanks that God is always with us, even amid tremendous hardship. St. Patrick is a powerful example of how God can take our sufferings and use them to help others, bringing them out of darkness into His glorious light. Ways to Celebrate If you’d like a meaningful way to celebrate with your family this year, here are a few easy ideas. Read Genesis 50:20 with your family and discuss how similar Joseph and St. Patrick were, both suffered deeply, and both were used by God to save those around them. Read or listen to “St. Patrick’s Breastplate,” a beautiful prayer of protection believed to have been written by St. Patrick, later set to music and now a beloved hymn. Google the words or pull it up on Spotify and go over it with your kids. Make Irish soda bread! No rising required, quick to make, and perfect for little helpers in the kitchen. the recipe - Irish Soda Bread 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for currants or raisins 4 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1½ teaspoons kosher salt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch diced 1¾ cups cold buttermilk, shaken 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1 cup dried currants or raisins Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix it at low speed until the butter is mixed with the flour. Lightly beat the buttermilk, egg, and orange zest in a measuring cup with a fork. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Combine the currants with one tablespoon of flour and mix into the dough. It will be very wet. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and knead it a few times into a round loaf. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread with a serrated knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. When you tap the loaf, it will have a hollow sound. Cool on a baking rack. Serve warm or at room temperature

St. Francis' Almond Cookies Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with these simple yet delicious almond cookies! When St. Francis of Assisi was nearing the end of his life, he made a simple request: to enjoy his favorite treat, almond cookies, made by a dear friend. Light, crunchy, and subtly sweet, these cookies use just a few ingredients, reflecting St. Francis’s devotion to living simply. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these treats are a thoughtful way to honor the beloved saint’s feast day while enjoying a moment of sweetness. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat that celebrates faith and fellowship!

If you have ever found yourself deep in the heart of Lent, wondering how much further the journey goes, the Church, in her wisdom, knew we would need a glimpse of the joy waiting for us on the other side. Tucked into both Advent and Lent are little gems known as Refreshment Sundays, days when the penitential tone eases, and we are given a brief, welcome reprieve. The two Refreshment Sundays are Gaudete Sunday, falling in the middle of Advent, and Laetare Sunday, falling in the middle of Lent. Refreshment Sundays offer a pause in the austerity of their respective seasons, a moment of respite from the spiritual disciplines we have taken on. They shift the somber mood toward more joyful anticipation. This pause is not a complete break from the season’s focus but rather a beautiful reminder that our preparation and penance have a purpose: they lead us toward the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas and His Resurrection at Easter. A Lenten Pause Falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, approximately halfway through this penitential season, Laetare Sunday offers a pause. Easter is almost here! It is an apex, a turning point, a glimmer of hope, and a lightening of the somber mood. It heightens our sense of anticipation and reminds us of the joy the Lord brings into our lives, even in seasons of waiting and preparation. Laetare Sunday speaks to the beautiful duality of the Christian journey: the balance of repentance with forgiveness, weeping with laughter, suffering with joy. Even as we prepare, reflect, and repent, we do so with the joyful anticipation of the great mystery of our faith, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Laetare Sunday takes its name from Isaiah 66:10, the opening antiphon for the day: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. Laetare means “rejoice,” and not a quiet, understated rejoice. Laetare is an imperative, an enthusiastic exhortation, almost a command: Rejoice! Right in the middle of Lent, we as a people are urged to rejoice! This powerful scripture sets the tone for the entire day and serves as a beautiful reminder that even in times of repentance and self-denial, there is hope. Laetare Sunday stands as a beacon of light, guiding us through our spiritual journey with the promise of joy and renewal. It invites us to pause, reflect on how far we have come, and find the strength to renew our spiritual disciplines as we press on toward Easter. Alternative Names Laetare Sunday goes by many names. Along with Refreshment Sunday, it is also known as Mid-Lent Sunday, Mothering Sunday, and Rose Sunday. Before the adoption of modern common lectionaries, it was called “the Sunday of the Five Loaves,” as the Gospel reading for the day was the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Mothering Sunday In England, Laetare Sunday was traditionally known as “Mothering Sunday.” On this day, people would return to the church of their baptism, their “mother church.” Those who made this journey were said to have gone “a-mothering.” In medieval times, Mothering Sunday was a cause for great celebration. Domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mother church, which also meant a rare opportunity to reunite with family and friends. Often, it was the only occasion families could gather, as servants were seldom granted free days otherwise. It was customary on Mothering Sunday for children and young people to pick wildflowers along the way to church, place them inside, and present them to their mothers. This lovely tradition may well be the root of our modern, secular Mother’s Day. Rose Sunday Laetare Sunday is also called Rose Sunday because the clergy wears rose-colored vestments in place of the usual penitential purple of Lent. That shift in color, from purple to rose, represents joy breaking through in the midst of preparation and penance. It is a visual reminder of the hope and light that the Resurrection of Christ brings to the world. Note: When a single “Refreshment Sunday” or “Rose Sunday” is mentioned, it typically refers to Laetare Sunday. Ways to Celebrate Laetare Sunday Visit your “mother” church. Follow the English tradition of returning to the church of your baptism on this day. Give your mother flowers. In many parts of the world, children present their mothers with flowers and small gifts, a custom that ties beautifully into the themes of joy and gratitude. Light a rose-colored candle. Bring the color of the day into your prayer time or family meal with a rose candle. Switch out your purple décor for rose. A simple but meaningful swap for the week. Decorate your table with pink roses. Let the table reflect the joy of the day. Make a rose-colored dessert. Strawberry or raspberry treats, rose-colored macarons, or cakes with pink icing or rose petals all fit the occasion beautifully. Bake a traditional Simnel cake. The English have long enjoyed Simnel cake on this day, a rich, spiced fruitcake filled with dried fruits and topped with marzipan. It is decorated with eleven marzipan balls, representing the eleven faithful apostles (Judas excluded). the recipe - Simnel Cake ½ cup candied cherries ( I used maraschino cherries) 3½ cups mixed dried fruit ( I bought bags of dried apricots, raisins, dates, and prunes and combined them) 12 tablespoons soft unsalted butter 1 cup superfine sugar zest of 1 lemon 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ cup almond meal 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons milk 2½ pounds of marzipan to decorate (recipe for marzipan at the bottom of the page) confectioners’ sugar for rolling 1 tablespoon apricot jam (melted) 1 egg white (optional) Take everything you need out of the fridge so it can get to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter and line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform cake tin with a double layer of brown baking paper. Chop the cherries very finely and add them to the rest of the fruit. Cream the butter and sugar until very soft and light, and add the lemon zest. You could do this by hand, just with a bowl and wooden spoon, but I own up to using my freestanding mixer here. But it’s not crucial, not least because the intention with fruit cakes is not to whip air into them. Measure the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and ground almonds into a bowl and stir to combine. Add one of the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar with two tablespoons of the dry flour and spice ingredients. Then, beat in the remaining eggs in the same way. Beat in the rest of the dry ingredients and then the milk. Finally, fold in the fruit. Dust a surface with a little icing sugar, then roll out about 14oz of the marzipan. Cut it into an 8-inch circle, which will fit in the middle of the cake later. Spoon half of the fruit cake mixture into the cake tin, smoothing it down with a rubber spatula, and then lay the marzipan circle on top of it. Spoon the rest of the mixture into the tin on top of the marzipan circle and smooth the top again. Bake for half an hour and then turn the oven down to 300°F for another 1½ hours or until the cake has risen and is firm on top. Let it cool completely on a rack before you spring it open. Unspring the cooled fruit cake and unwrap the lining. Roll out another 14-oz circle of marzipan, paint the top of the cake with the melted apricot jam, and then stick it on. Make 11 apostle balls out of the remaining marzipan, roughly 1 inch in size. Beat the egg white just till it’s a bit frothy and loosened up a little, no more, and use that as glue to stick the apostles around the edge of the cake. Now for the part I love (but you can ignore it altogether). Paint the whole cake with egg white, then blow-torch the marzipan so it scorches slightly, giving a beauteously burnished look. Recipe from Nigella Lawson . Homemade Marzipan This recipe makes about 5 ounces of marzipan. I tripled it and had enough for the Simnel Cake. 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp blanched almond flour 9 tbsp powdered sugar 1 1/2 tbsp water 1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract First, process the almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor. Add the water and almond extract and pulse a couple of times until the dough holds together and forms a ball. If the dough is too dry and doesn’t hold together, add a tiny bit more water. Make sure to add just a little until a thick dough is formed. If it’s too sticky and wet, add more almond flour. Take out the marzipan ball and knead it on a clean surface for about 30 seconds. You can now shape it into a log, wrap it in cling wrap, and refrigerate it. It will firm up slightly in the refrigerator.

Fasting is a profound and meaningful practice. It was part of everyday life for the Israelites, for Jesus, for the early Christians, and for all Christians, for that matter. Jesus assumed that his followers were fasting and that they would continue to fast. In Matthew 6, he didn’t say, “If you fast.” He said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do,” because he knew we would be. Only in the last 100 years or so has the modern world moved away from the practice. For most of the entire history of Christianity, fasting has been part of what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus. We see in scripture that it was a powerful part of Jewish culture and an accepted practice by the Israelites, the early church, and the church throughout the ages. So what does the Bible actually say about fasting? The first mention appears in Judges 20:26 — “Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord.” This is the first time fasting is mentioned in the Bible, but there’s no formal introduction, no moment where its function is officially explained. It’s just there, woven naturally into the fabric of Israelite life. Fasting was part of their identity. We see it throughout scripture: the Israelites fasting, prophets calling them to fast. But to fully understand the purpose of fasting, you have to look at the context. Since Lent is rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, let’s start there. You probably know this story well, but it’s easy to gloss over it and miss the bigger picture. Before Jesus was led into the wilderness, something remarkable happened. In Luke 3, Jesus is baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This is a profound encounter with God. A huge, momentous spiritual event. Jesus has this powerful moment where God’s Spirit falls, and he is revealed as God’s beloved Son. And then, at the beginning of Luke 4, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, leaves the Jordan and is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days, where he is tempted by Satan, rebuffs him with the Word of God, and then, right after his time of fasting, his ministry begins. So: a profound encounter with God → a period of fasting → and then his ministry begins. Now, for a second example of this kind of fasting. When the Jewish community heard about Jesus fasting for 40 days, they would have immediately remembered another time someone fasted for 40 days, Moses. In Exodus 24, the Lord called Moses up to the mountain to give him the Ten Commandments. We know the story, but here’s the part I had missed. In Exodus 24:15-16, when Moses went up to the mountain, the glory of the Lord settled on it, and Moses stayed there for six days. On the seventh day, the Lord called to Moses again, and Moses entered the cloud, went up the mountain, and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses, just like Jesus, has a powerful encounter with God, begins a period of fasting, and then receives the Ten Commandments. Do you see the similarities? Isn’t that the coolest thing? Both have had a powerful encounter with God. Both have encountered God’s presence. Neither is asking God for something. Neither is seeking a specific result. Fasting just seems to be the appropriate response after having had a powerful, sacred moment in the presence of God. And then after this transformational encounter, both enter a period of fasting. So what is the meaning or purpose of this kind of fasting? Sometimes it simply seems to be the right response after standing in the presence of God, after a defining moment, a crossroads. Jesus fasted right before his ministry began. Moses fasted right before he received the Ten Commandments. Here are two more examples of this kind of fasting from the early church. In Acts 9, Saul has an encounter with the Lord and can no longer see. For three days, he is blind, and verse 9 tells us he did not eat or drink anything. After three days, Ananias is led to Saul, lays hands on him, and Saul’s sight is restored. Here again, an incredible encounter with the Lord, a conversion, and a man who goes on to become one of the most significant leaders in the history of the church. Later, in Acts 13, while the people were worshipping and fasting , not worshipping and praying, mind you, but worshipping and fasting , the Holy Spirit says, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And here’s what’s so interesting: after receiving this word, the people fasted and prayed again, laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent them off. This is yet another transformational moment. This is the very first missionary journey being commissioned, a journey that would open the door to the spread of the Gospel like never before and change the face of the world. So again, there is this pattern: fasting as the appropriate response to a profound encounter with God. And just as an aside, liturgically, before we entered Lent, we left the season of Epiphany, a beautiful season where people like the Wise Men, Simeon, and Anna had a profound encounter with Emmanuel, God with Us. Doesn’t it make perfect sense that we would be entering a time of fasting right now? I think that is so amazing. The next type of fasting we see in the Bible is fasting in response to a tragic calamity. Over and over again, when a calamity is coming or has already taken place, the people of God fast. In Psalm 35, David fasts when a terrible sickness strikes his enemy. In Esther, the Israelites are urged to fast to avoid their destruction. Nehemiah grieves and fasts over the idolatrous state of his people’s hearts. We also see fasting used as a means of spiritual warfare. In Matthew 17, a man comes to Jesus because his epileptic son was brought to the disciples and they could not heal him. When the disciples later asked Jesus why they couldn’t heal the boy, Jesus said it was because of their unbelief, but also because “that kind only goes out through prayer and fasting.” Clearly, there are types of bondage and disorder that only break with prayer and fasting together. And then there’s the last reason for fasting, and probably the one we’re most familiar with: turning away from sin. In 1 Samuel 7, the Israelites turned back to the Lord. They put away their idols and repented. But it wasn’t enough on its own. Samuel ordered them to fast, and so for a whole day the Israelites fasted and confessed. In Joel 2, God tells the people to turn back to him with their whole hearts, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. It doesn’t seem to be enough to just pray sometimes. Fasting is required as well. Scripture makes it very clear: as we turn away from our sin, we should fast. Fasting helps us turn more fully. But fasting also does something else: it reveals our sin to us. When we fast, it becomes painfully obvious how out of control our appetites are and how much we are ruled by them. Ordinarily, I think I’m a pretty good person, a pretty good Christian. But during Lent, when I fast from something even ridiculously small like coffee, I become really aware of how much I struggle. And I am not exaggerating. Through fasting, I see how much I rely on food and drink and not on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The act of not eating brings me real discomfort and grief. I am reminded of my frailty. I realize how little control I actually have over my own life. Through fasting, we are all choosing to embody that frailty, and according to the Bible, that does powerful things inside of us. This kind of fasting is not about punishing ourselves. It’s about grieving , over the state of our hearts and the state of the world. And through this kind of fasting, we are asking for a result. And we get it every time: forgiveness. In Joel 2:12-13, after the people have fasted and repented, the Lord says, “Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” So what’s our takeaway from all of this? Fasting is an extraordinarily powerful tool. It is an embodied expression of prayer; fasting is praying with your body. In today’s world, we tend to divide the spiritual from the physical. The spiritual is thinking and praying. The physical is eating. They are two separate things. But that is not how the Israelites understood themselves, and it is not how the church understood itself until very recently. To them, the spiritual and the physical are intertwined. Your whole body is involved in worship, in prayer, in your spiritual life. It is not enough to just pray; we need to fast as well. That’s why I love liturgical traditions. We kneel, we smell, we taste, we feel, we fast. And through the season of Lent, the church gives us this ancient, irreplaceable opportunity to do it again.