Next Sunday, April 13, begins Holy Week (also called Passion Week), the most profound and joyful week in the Christian faith.

I’m posting a few days early so that you’ll have all of my interactive, dementia-friendly Holy Week resources ready to enjoy with your elders, including those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. I’ve updated most of these resources for 2025.

Palm Sunday: April 13

• Palm Sunday video church service (42 minutes). If possible, purchase fresh or artificial palm fronds; give one to each elder (as appropriate) before the service begins.
• Palm Sunday written church service agenda.

Maundy Thursday (The Last Supper): April 17

• Bible study discussion video on Luke 22, the Last Supper. This 18-minute video can be broken into two parts. The Bible study portion goes to about 12:42; the remaining portion includes celebration of communion, the symbol of the Last Supper. If you plan to offer communion, gather the elements (bread, crackers, juice) ahead of time. (Learn more about serving communion to elders with dementia.) Or you can skip ahead to 15:16 for the closing prayer.
• Maundy Thursday Bible study written guide.

Good Friday: April 18

• Good Friday video church service (31 minutes) and optional accompanying special hymnal.
• Good Friday written church service agenda and accompanying hymnal.
  •  Note: Although many elders appreciate this short service, the topic and readings of Jesus’ death could upset some elders with dementia. Stay with your elders in the room, and skip or modify the scripture readings if you notice any agitation. 

Easter Sunday: April 20 

• Easter playlist on YouTube: This contains two videos to play back to back: the Easter worship service video, followed immediately by the sing-along Hallelujah Chorus video. (Because of copyright, the Hallelujah Chorus is its own video.) Start the playlist to watch the Easter service and then flow straight into the Hallelujah Chorus without interruption. 
• Stand-alone Easter video church service (43 minutes) and optional accompanying special hymnal. (At the very end of this video you can click on the thumbnail image to play the Hallelujah Chorus, but you might get an ad interruption.)
• Easter written church service agenda and accompanying hymnal, for providing the service yourself.
• Hallelujah Chorus sing-along video. This music is used by permission. Because it includes the lyrics, it’s a great way to encourage people to sing along after your service!

Blessings to you and your elders as you reflect, remember, and celebrate Holy Week.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Wolfgang Rottmann on Unsplash