The Empty Tomb

This past Sunday, our Faith Formation students gathered to celebrate the joyful message of Easter with a special lesson called The Empty Tomb. At the prayer table, the children noticed the white cloth and Alleluia card, reminding us that we’re still in the Easter season. Using the liturgical calendar, we talked about how Easter is more than just one Sunday—it’s a 50-day season of joy called Eastertide! The children were excited to learn that we continue celebrating because Jesus spent 40 days with his friends after rising from the dead, followed by 10 more days before Pentecost.
We then listened to the Resurrection account from Matthew 28:1–7. As the scripture was read, we used figures, a model tomb, and candles to bring the scene to life. At the words “He is not here; He has risen,” we lit a second candle to celebrate the light and hope of the Resurrection. The class reflected thoughtfully during our time of wondering, asking questions like “How did the women feel?” and “Why is this such Good News?” They made beautiful connections and remembered other times in scripture where we hear the words “Do not be afraid.”
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To finish our time together, we made Alleluia butterflies. We talked about how “Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord!” and how butterflies are a powerful symbol of new life. The children decorated their butterflies with bright colors and joyful designs—reminders of the transformation and hope we find in the Resurrection.

In addition, our older group designed and assembled pin-back buttons featuring joyful Easter messages and imagery. These buttons were made to share with others as a way of spreading the Good News and reminding us that Easter joy is meant to be shared.