Beyond Foot Washing: Three No-Fuss Approaches to Observe Triduum

Kathryn Pasker Ineck considers three family-friendly ways to observe the Triduum, regardless of your children's ages. Download a bonus recipe, too!

Nothing triggers my fight-or-flight response quicker than foot washing.

It’s not that I am opposed to clean feet in practice, but as someone who struggles with hugs, foot washing is three steps too far. In Jesus’s time, however, foot washing was a regular part of life in Israel. The primary mode of transportation was on foot and in sandals. Travelers would arrive at their destinations and either servants or host’s wives were tasked with washing their guests’ feet to welcome them … and to keep their homes clean.

It makes sense then, that Jesus and his Apostles would require a good foot washing once they arrived to the Upper Room for that last Passover. Instead of enlisting the help of a servant, though, Jesus kneels and performs that service for his twelve friends (John 13).

They were shocked.

Some protested.

Peter offers to allow Jesus to go further and wash his hands and head.

None understood.

It is important to note that Jesus and the Apostles are the only people mentioned in this narrative: Our Lady is not mentioned. Mary and Martha are not mentioned. Not even Lazarus is present. Just Jesus and his followers. This paints the foot washing—and the Last Supper—in a particularly interesting light: no servants were on hand to do it, and Jesus emphasizes the fact that He, the Master, is ministering to his followers.

The foot washing is part of the priestly service that Jesus is demonstrating to his newly-minted priests at the first ordination of Catholic priests.

We have all witnessed foot washings at Holy Thursday Mass after the Gospel of John is proclaimed, kicking off the Triduum. Members of the community shuffle to the altar to take their place as the priest washes their feet, one by one. It is a quiet reenactment of the humble service Jesus demonstrated nearly 2000 years ago.

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Triduum is an unusual time in the liturgical calendar. Purple is replaced with white and with red. Lent is over, but Easter is not yet arrived. It’s a breathless waiting and we often wonder how best to observe it. We make more plans than we can possibly finish and wind up tired and frustrated. Having Seder meals, performing live Stations of the Cross, and baking illustrative goodies are all great ideas, but they are activities I never was able to master, so I have compiled three tried-and-true practices for observing the Triduum without a lot of prep work.

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Activities for the Bigs and the Littles

Coloring pages and activities for people of all ages and that require no prep:

Catholic Family Crate has a fantastic Holy Week kit that is meant for kids (and adults!) of all ages. Packed with prayers, activities, posters, and coloring sheets, everyone will find something to love.
If you are looking for more involved activities, Catholic Icing offers a great selection of projects and recipes to make these three days memorable.
Stained glass window painting is one of my family’s favorite activities. We use washable paints, but there are a lot of different paint techniques out there. Daisy and Rooster are busy thinking up their newest creation for this year, and they enjoy painting our front window on Holy Saturday—often after dyeing eggs in preparation for our Easter Celebration.
Catholic Mom's Sunday Gospel Activities and Coloring Pages feature Mass readings, videos, and free printable activity sheets and coloring pages.

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Meals for the Hungry

I recently asked the kids for ideas about how to celebrate Triduum, and Daisy immediately informed me that we “always have stew on Holy Thursday and Corn Chowder on Good Friday.” Not remembering that at all, I thought it is a rather wise tradition to offer simpler meals that are crock-pot friendly so that supper is ready after Mass on those days. (This year, I think curry is taking the place of stew as a nod to St. Thomas the Apostle, who settled in Kerala, India.)

Holy Thursday: Crockpot Chicken Coconut Curry

Good Friday: Corn Chowder
Easter Vigil: Salads

Salads reign supreme in Daisy’s world, and we like to take advantage of the simplicity of them on Holy Saturday, filling the counter with a buffet of dishes like guacamole and cowboy caviar, hummus and veggies, chicken salad, even cranberry relish. This way, we can all snack throughout the day and head off to Easter Vigil relaxed with full tummies.

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Triduum Services

The ultimate in no-prep activities, loading the family into the car and heading to the Triduum church services are the best way to observe the season and prepare for Easter. Some years I was overwhelmed with the idea of schlepping the kids to “extra” services just before Easter, but I was always surprised that the littles were unusually engaged in what was going on. There is a different feel to Holy Saturday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil services, and the kids are remarkably interested in the special rituals. Of course, preschool-aged Rooster loved to plan for a nice, long nap and would bring a cushy blanket along for the ride.

The most important thing to remember, though, is that there is no wrong way to prepare for and celebrate Triduum. If observing all three days feels overwhelming to you, pick one new activity or observance to try this year. You never know when you will stumble upon a beloved family tradition!

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