Our new Blended Learning model seeks to share and reinforce our rich Catholic heritage by providing a number of traditions and prayers to learn together as a family. Each family will chose and participate in two faith activities each month. We offer a variety of options to support families on their individual faith journeys. 

• Holy Week in 2 minutes video. Holy Week is the culmination of Lent. It contains the three holiest days of the year, the Sacred Triduum which consists of the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday (April 1), the Passion and Death of Jesus on Good Friday (April 2) and the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday (April 4).
• Blessing of the Easter Baskets (Święconka) - With roots dating back to the early history of Poland swięconka is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions of Holy Saturday, April 3. As indicated on the Holy Week Schedule we will bless foods at 12 Noon in the Parish Green parking lot (weather permitting) as we did last year and a second blessing will take place at 1pm in church. 
• Hot Cross buns - These buns are marked with a cross on the top to symbolize the crucifixion of Christ, and also the sign of the cross. The spices inside the buns represent the spices that were used during the burial process during the time of Jesus.  Here's an easy recipe from Catholic Icing.
• Children's rosary at Sacred Heart Church - Sat. March 6 at 10 a.m. led by Cheryl Batter. Questions? contact cherylbatter@att.net. A "How to Pray the Rosary" for Kids document is available for download on the left side of this page.
• Resurrection garden/altar - here's an easy and affordable way to make one for your home: Catholic Icing Resurrection Garden.
• The Story of Easter - watch all 4 animated videos by Saddleback Kids.
  • Palm Sunday - The Triumphal Entry (3 min)
  • Holy Thursday - The Last Supper (3:30 min) & Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet (2:30 min)
  • Good Friday/Easter Sunday - Jesus' Sacrifice (5:30 min)
• Easter books on video - choose one or all 3. Counts as one activity
  • God the Father and The Best Day Ever by Gracie Jagla (15 min)
  • Easter is Coming by Tama Fortner (6 min)
  • The Easter Story by Patricia A. Pingry (4 min)
• Divine Mercy Sunday - April 11. Watch this EWTN video (3:30 min) on the origins of this Feast. It was to Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938), a nun from Poland, that the Lord chose to spread the Divine Mercy message and devotion.
• The Divine Mercy Chaplet - Recorded at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA, here is the chaplet prayed in song. Singing starts at the 2:45 min mark (20 min when sung, 10 min when spoken). Rosary beads are used for this beautiful prayer.
• Easter Special - Watch this 6 min video. Fr. Mike Schmitz wants us to know how important we are to Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead, the first people he encountered were Mary Magdalene and his disciples—the ones who believed in him. This Easter, because we believe in him, he comes to us first as well, and he tells us to go spread the Good News to the rest of the world.

In March we celebrate feast days in honor of St. Patrick, St. Joseph and the Annunciation of Our Lord. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 28. Use this MARCH SIGN UP GENIUS to let us know which two activities you chose. All options are listed on this one Sign Up Genius. And remember, we love to see and share pictures of the kids enjoying the activities!  Email them to: ourphotos@stpaulkensington.org. 

Feast of St. Patrick - Here's a 9 min Veggie Tales video about St. Patrick. Here's a Trinity shamrock craft for little ones (there's a shamrock rice crispie idea on the same page if you're feeling ambitious!). Or attend weekday Mass at 7 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. on Wed., March 17 at St. Paul church.

Feast of St. Joseph - Pope Francis announced that this year of 2021 would be the Year of St. Joseph. Here's a few choices to help kids learn more about the foster father of Jesus: Watch this 4 min video; Make this  St. Joseph toolbox craft for little ones. Scroll halfway down page for instructions/printables. Another option is to attend one of the 3 nights of reflection at St. Paul Church on March 16-18 or attend Mass at 6:30 p.m. on the Feast of St. Joseph (Fri., March 19). 

Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord - The feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on March 25, nine months before Christmas. First, watch this 1 MIN VIDEO about the Annunciation. Then make an Angel Food Cake to celebrate the day the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the Mother of Jesus. You can use your own recipe or a box mix, but please click here first for decorating ideas and ways to explain it to your child. The article also offers an Angel Gabriel craft, which is optional. Or attend the 5 p.m. Mass on Thurs., March 25.

Go to Confession at St. Paul church - Only Gr. 4-8 are eligible. Options are: Mercy Mondays 7:00pm - 8:00pm,  until March 29; Saturdays 8:30am - 9:30am & 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Attend Adoration at St. Paul church - Here's a 4:30 min video explaining this tradition. After watching the video, attend one of these options: Mondays  7:00 - 8:00pm; Tuesdays  4:00 - 5:00pm

Palm crosses - Fold the palms you receive on Palm Sunday (March 28) into crosses. Here are a few video tutorials: Cross A or Cross B. Try this Palm Beehive for something more advanced.

Resurrection Eggs & activities - DIY Resurrection Eggs or purchase a set. Then have a traditional egg hunt or try this Resurrection Egg scavenger hunt.