Following the stay-at-home order issued by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, traditional in-person Holy Week and Easter celebrations are canceled in much of the metropolitan area. 

Holy Week is a time to commemorate and remember the last week of Jesus’ life on Earth, according to the Catholic Education Resource Center. Easter is an annual celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to Christianity.org. 

“We acknowledge that we have times in our lives when there is adversity, where we experienced a letting go of life that is no longer plausible,” director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Pino-Dressman said. “Then we experience a new life, a resurrection and hope that is instilled and raised up by the prayers and actions of the community and the vitality of the Holy Spirit.” 

However, due to the stay-at-home orders following the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations will look much different this year. While many Catholic institutions in the metropolitan area are streaming their masses or doing parking lot services where attendees stay in their car, there are options for those whose churches do not have these services. Pope Francis will be digitally celebrating Mass of the Lord’s Supper April 9, Celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday, April 10, Traditional Via Crucis April 10, Easter Vigil Mass April 11 and Easter Sunday Mass April 12, according to the Vatican News. These services will be streamed on the Vatican Media Youtube Channel. 

“Usually, my family goes to Mass and then we host all our aunts, uncles and cousins for a brunch,” junior Grace Hill said. “This year, we’ll probably stream the Mass and then we are planning to eat as a family.”

Although the typical celebrations will not be held, Catholics can still enjoy the time spent at home while also embracing the true meaning of Easter. Whether it’s continuing old traditions or finding new ways to celebrate, the Easter spirits will still be present, according to junior Elicia Baranowski.

“Typically my family has a huge Easter egg hunt, and since my siblings and I are older it’s usually for money,” Baranowski said. “I look forward to celebrating Easter because it’s a happy and positive day where you can join together with the important people in your life.”