Eastertide
What is Eastertide?
Did you know that Easter is more than just one day? Eastertide refers to the fifty-day season which begins with Easter Sunday and ends with Pentecost. This entire season is actually considered one great Sunday! Below are a few ways to help you celebrate Easter throughout the entire season.
1. Eastertide Prayer
This prayer was adapted from the beautiful Easter vigil liturgy and can be prayed individually, as a group with assigned parts or all together.
2. Resurrection Reflection
Watch the video above and prayerfully reflect on it’s message.
3. Pray Through Music
Jesus conquered death, and that merits triumphant singing. Sing praise for Jesus’ victory through one of many Resurrection-themed songs.
Here is a list of more songs to help you celebrate Eastertide.
4. Join a Bible Study
Eastertide is the perfect time to begin learning more about the Word of God. This acclaimed Bible study is being offered for free over eight Wednesday sessions, beginning 7th April. Click here to register or to find more information.
5. Pray the Rosary
Pray the Scriptural Rosary with beautiful art to illuminate each mystery. Our recommended guide can be found here.
6. More Suggestions
Here are a few more suggestions to help you rejoice through Eastertide.
7. Host a Prayer Group
Invite others to celebrate Eastertide with you by turning one of the above suggestions into a prayer group. Below is an instruction guide on how to do this online.
How to offer a Zoom Meditation
This method has worked well in providing simple content to parishioners. You will develop your own way of doing this through a process of learning what works best for your group.
A small group of five to ten participants will be very manageable but you may be happy managing a larger group.
Step One: Preparation
Download the scriptural meditation that has been prepared (you will find the link at the bottom of this post, along with an image for you to share). If you are unsure about using Zoom, you can find a simple guide here.
Invite parishioners and friends to the Zoom meeting. Be relaxed and enjoy the opportunity for people to be together in faith. Welcome each person individually and ask them to introduce themselves to the group.
Step Two: Prayer
Assign different people to the various parts.
Begin with a prayer.
Step Three: Gospel Reflection
Choose a relevant passage from the Bible, perhaps the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, then reflect on it individually or with a group.
Ask a reader to read the chosen passage from the Bible. Allow for a time of silent meditation on what was just read.
Ask a reader to read the passage out loud for a second time.
Then introduce five minutes of sacred silence.
Technical Note: It is possible to ‘mute’ all the participants and it is recommended to do so at this time.
Step Four: Sharing Time
Encourage the participants to share their reflections of the Bible passage on which you are meditating.
No one should feel obliged to share but it’s good to remind people that everyone has something to offer.
Technical Note: Zoom has a ‘hands up’ facility which helps so people can take turns sharing. You will know that only one person can speak at a time. So it’s important to be firm with participants so they don’t talk over each other.
Once everyone who wants to has had a chance to share you can finish the meditation with a prayer.