We had another Lenten Tea (inspired by Cottage Blessings) this afternoon, just like we did last year on Holy Thursday. I had to make a few modifications, in addition to serving chicken broth and crackers to our oldest three who were very sick today, but it was still nice. I was disapointed that we weren’t able to go to Mass, but I’m just hoping that everyone is healthy again by Sunday!
(Note: I omitted the “Palm on the Road” this year since I could NOT find Hearts of Palm anywhere. I’ve been looking for weeks. . . I should have just ordered some from Amazon, but then I really didn’t need 12 cans!)
Here is what was included in the menu this year:
~ Costly Oil ~
“And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mk. 14: 9
~ Thirty Pieces of Silver ~
I served rice crackers once again, this time opting for “Toasted Sesame.”
“Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” Mt. 25: 14-15
~ Unleavened Bread ~
For this we used Multigrain Pita Bread, cut into wedges.
“And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the passover lamb, his disciples said to Him, ‘Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the passover?'” Mk. 14: 12
Once again this was a HUGE hit!!
“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Mk. 14: 26
This year, instead of sandwiches, I made mini Chicken Wraps with Chicken Breast, Cream Cheese, Lettuce and Tomatoes, wrapped in a green Spinach Wrap. (I tried to incorporate the color green when possible since Holy Thursday is also known as Green Thursday.)
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.'” Mk. 14: 30
~ Gethsemane Figs ~
“And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I pray.'” Mk. 14: 32
This year I served the children one little Hershey Kiss each, wrapped in green.
“And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, ‘Master!’ And he kissed him.” Mk. 14: 45
~ The Clouds of Heaven ~
A little cloud of whip cream for on top of the Fig Cookies.
“And Jesus said, ‘I am; and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'” Mk. 14: 62
I didn’t have any luck getting my children to try the Tic-Tacs last year, so I opted for Altoids.
Chiquita couldn’t wait to try one… However, she wasn’t interested when I offered her a second! 😉
“And immediately the cock crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mk. 14: 72
This year I was able to create small card stock signs for each of the dishes, including the short Bible quotes Alice provided. I thought they made a nice addition. I uploaded the document I made, in case anyone would like a copy.
I hope you all had a very blessed Holy Thursday!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
What a lovely idea … I am taking notes to incorporate into my plans for next Holy Thursday.
What is the connection between the sandwiches/wraps and "Cock Crows Twice" AND between the Altoids/Tic Tacs and "Peter's Tears" ?
Jessica, your blog is a true gold mine! Thank you for providing the documents and planning for all your wonderful ideas. Wishing you and your beautiful family a Blessed Easter!
God Bless, Kelly
Colorado Springs, CO
The credit for the idea goes to Alice at Cottage Blessings. We always enjoy her Liturgical Teas!
Everyone was served two chicken wraps/sandwiches to symbolize the Cock (Chicken) Crowing Twice (quantity of 2 wraps or sandwiches).
As for the Tic Tacs/Altoids, here is Alice's explanation: "This may sound ridiculous, but I plan to offer each child a couple of peppermint Tic-Tacs to represent St. Peter's tears of regret. It will punctuate the meal, and help them to remember a pivotal moment and the final lines of Chapter 14."
I suppose if your children really enjoy Tic Tacs or Altoids, this might not be as effective. 🙂
As always, you do such a nice job. 🙂
Love Chiquita's face… Altoids do the same thing to me, too!
Just wonderful,,,,,so creative and what a way to teach the children…..I just love this