Children's Liturgy Guide

Easter Sunday

Year B · Easter

The Empty Tomb

Reading: John 20:1-9

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Early on Easter morning, Mary Magdalene found that the big stone had been rolled away from Jesus' tomb. She ran to tell Peter and John, and they raced to see for themselves. When they looked inside, Jesus was not there because he had risen from the dead!

Key Points

  • Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, just as he promised
  • The empty tomb shows us that Jesus is alive
  • Easter is our most joyful celebration because Jesus conquered death
  • The disciples had to see and believe, and we are called to believe too

Background

This passage recounts the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the Beloved Disciple (traditionally identified as John). The theological significance centers on the Resurrection as the foundational event of Christian faith. The detail that the burial cloths were lying there, with the face cloth rolled up separately, suggests an orderly departure rather than a grave robbery. The text notes that the Beloved Disciple 'saw and believed,' though they did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. This indicates faith preceding full understanding, a model for all believers. For children, emphasize the joy and surprise of finding the empty tomb, the excitement of running to share amazing news, and the simple truth that Jesus is alive. Set aside complex discussions of how the Resurrection occurred or detailed burial customs.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for this happy day when we celebrate that you are alive! Help us to share the Easter joy with everyone we meet. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever been so excited about something that you ran to tell someone about it?

Example: One time I ran all the way home to tell my mom that I lost my first tooth at school and I was so happy!

Bridge to the reading: You know that feeling when something so wonderful happens that you just have to run and tell someone? In today's reading, we will hear about people who were so surprised and amazed that they ran as fast as they could to share incredible news.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. Who went to the tomb very early in the morning when it was still dark?

    Example: Mary Magdalene went to the tomb really early in the morning before the sun came up.

  2. What did Mary Magdalene see when she got to the tomb?

    Example: She saw that the big heavy stone had been moved away from the opening of the tomb.

  3. What did Peter and the other disciple do when Mary told them the news?

    Example: They both started running really fast to get to the tomb and see what happened.

  4. Why do you think the tomb was empty?

    Example: The tomb was empty because Jesus had come back to life! He rose from the dead like he promised.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How do you feel when you hear that Jesus is alive?

    Example: I feel really happy and excited inside because Jesus being alive means he loves us so much!

  2. If you wanted to share the good news that Jesus is alive, who would you tell?

    Example: I would tell my grandma because she loves Jesus too and it would make her smile.

  3. This week, how can you show others the joy of Easter?

    Example: I can smile at people and be extra kind to my friends at school and help my family.

Recap

Today we heard about the first Easter morning when Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb and ran to tell Peter and John. They raced to see for themselves, and the tomb really was empty! Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he promised. This is the happiest news ever: Jesus is alive!

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For all people around the world who do not yet know the joy that Jesus is alive, that they may come to believe, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When we sing the 'Alleluia' before the Gospel, we are shouting with joy that Jesus is alive. On Easter Sunday, the Alleluia returns after being silent during Lent, making our celebration even more special.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for rising from the dead and giving us this joyful day. Help us to remember that you are always with us because you are alive. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

The Empty Tomb

John 20:1-9

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

W S Q O H S Z I M F Y T O M B
R I J G P L N T P O A G Q W Q
B E L I E V E P J E N O T S M
F S Q N N P I M K F A W Q Y L
H B N W P Q Q Y A X E S E C U
J H B U I E B H N B G F U V V
E J V Z G N T C I A N R B G A
K L G J L R N E I T I Z O S H
F I P N E R I U R T N D L J S
R Y O T E M L N U U R M N O G
C V S P A E C E Q P O T X H L
R A C R L E B Z V M M C M N H
E U Y L C T D X U I U W Z N W
J F A W A V L T C K L W E N H
W B A O R I S E N Y V A H E O

Words to find

  • Easter
  • tomb
  • risen
  • alive
  • Mary
  • Peter
  • John
  • stone
  • morning
  • believe
  • joy
  • Alleluia

ChildrensLiturgy.org