Holy Week & Easter Parish Supply Checklist (Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday)
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- By Brooke - Reilly's Church Supply Team
- Posted in Ash Wednesday, Ashes, Bulletins, Easter, Lent, Palm Sunday, Palms, Paschal Candle, Ressurection, Stations of The Cross, Way of the Cross
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As Lent approaches, now is the perfect time to make sure your church is prepared for the season!
From Palm Branches for Palm Sunday to Candles for Easter Vigil, our Lent Checklist makes it easy to ensure you're stocked up on all of the essential supplies you need.
Don’t wait until the last minute — view our free Lent Checklist, and contact us here at Reilly's Church Supply to place your order today!
Get Ready for Easter: Your Essential Holy Week & Easter Parish Supply Checklist (Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday)
Preparing for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter can feel like a lot — so we created this day-by-day parish supply checklist to make ordering simple (and help you avoid the “oh no we forgot ___” moment). Bookmark this page and use it as your quick reference each year!
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering palms, Paschal candles, or bulk altar candles, order early to ensure the best selection and delivery timing.
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Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is often one of the most highly attended liturgies of the season — so it’s wise to plan for extra materials and quick replenishments!
Checklist:
• Ashes
• Lenten Banners
• Purple Vestments / Stoles
• Purple Altar Cloths / Linens
• Candles (Altar and Sanctuary — usage often increases throughout Lent and Holy Week)
Helpful Notes:
• We sell traditional ashes made from burned palms for the imposition of ashes. Order early if you anticipate a large crowd.
• Candles: If you’ve been meaning to top off altar or sanctuary candles, Ash Wednesday week is the perfect “reset moment.”
Shop:
• Ashes
Set the tone for your Lenten season with our beautifully designed banners. Crafted with care, our Lenten banners reflect the solemnity and reflection of the season
Purple chasubles, stoles, and seasonal options
• Lenten Altar Cloths / Linens
Purple seasonal linens and altar coverings, made to order
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Sundays of Lent
These weeks are about consistency — regular Sunday Mass supplies, plus extra support for Lenten devotions and increased parish activity.
Checklist:
• Statue Veils (traditionally used during somber days of Lent)
• Purple Vestments / Stoles
• Purple Altar Cloths / Linens
• Lenten Banners
• Candles (Altar and Sanctuary — plan for replenishment as Lent progresses)
• Incense + Charcoal (If your parish uses incense on Sundays during Lent)
Helpful Notes:
• Vestments/Linens: Lent is a great time to check for wear, stains, or missing pieces (and yes… we’ve all had the “where did that stole go?” moment).
• Statue Veils: Traditionally used to cover statues during Lent, creating a more contemplative atmosphere. Removing them as Easter approaches is a beautiful “reveal” that visually signals the joy of the Resurrection.
• Candles: If you’re close to replacement time, ordering early helps avoid last‑minute issues during Holy Week.
• Incense/Charcoal: Parishes often run out of charcoal first — it’s one of the most commonly forgotten items.
Shop:
Made from high-quality, durable fabrics, our veils come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your specific statue.
Purple chasubles, stoles, and seasonal options
• Lenten Altar Cloths / Linens
Purple seasonal linens and altar coverings, made to order
Set the tone for your Lenten season with our beautifully designed banners. Crafted with care, our Lenten banners reflect the solemnity and reflection of the season
• Altar Candles
• Sanctuary Candles
• Incense
Frankincense, blends, and liturgical incense options
• Charcoal
Easy-to-light options for thuribles and incense use
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Fridays of Lent (Stations of The Cross)
Many parishes add extra prayer services on Fridays during Lent — especially Stations of the Cross, Adoration, parish missions, and Lenten devotions. Planning ahead helps you avoid running out mid-season.
Checklist:
• Way of the Cross / Stations of the Cross Booklets (for congregational use)
• Stations of the Cross Sets (for churches that want to install or upgrade their stations)
• Candles for Devotional Services (votive or taper, depending on your setup)
Helpful Notes:
• What are “Way of the Cross” booklets? These are printed prayer guides that walk the congregation through each Station with prayers, meditations, and responses — perfect for group services and personal devotion.
• Stations Sets: If your parish is upgrading or installing Stations for the first time, this is one of the most meaningful long-term additions you can make. Our sets include stunning options — from traditional styles to breathtaking mosaic designs that elevate your whole worship space.
Shop:
Easy-to-follow guides for Stations services
If your parish needs a new set or replacement pieces
Great for devotional prayer nights
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Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week — and it’s one of the most attended weekends of the year. Between the procession, extra visitors, and the timing of palm delivery, this is the section you *really* don’t want to leave to the last minute.
Checklist:
• Congregational Palms (plan quantity based on attendance + visitors)
• Decorative Palms (fans, dates, etc. for processions and display)
• Candles (top off altar + sanctuary before Holy Week begins)
Helpful Notes:
• What kind of palms do we need? Most parishes order standard palm branches for the congregation, plus decorative palms for the sanctuary and procession.
• Quantity tip: A simple rule of thumb is to order for your average Sunday attendance + an extra cushion for visitors (Palm Sunday crowds are real).
• The “we forgot” moment: Many parishes remember palms… but forget to top off candles right before the busiest liturgy week of the year.
Shop:
• Palms
Congregational as well as Decorative Palms
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Holy Thursday (Mass of The Lord's Supper)
Holy Thursday begins the Sacred Triduum and is one of the most beautiful liturgies of the year — the focus is the Eucharist, the altar is prepared with special care, and many parishes also set up an Altar of Repose for Adoration after Mass.
Checklist:
• Hosts (many parishes increase quantity for Holy Thursday)
• Purple/White Vestments (depending on what your parish uses)
• Altar Linens (good time to refresh/replace if needed)
• Incense + Charcoal (commonly used)
• Candles (for the liturgy + for the Altar of Repose / Adoration setup)
Helpful Notes:
• Altar of Repose: If your parish has Adoration after Mass, having enough candles (and backups) makes the space feel reverent and intentional.
• Incense/Charcoal: If you use incense on Holy Thursday + Easter, stock extra charcoal now — it goes fast during Triduum.
• Hosts: This is one of the nights parishes are most likely to underestimate quantity (visitors + full participation).
Shop:
Purple chasubles, stoles, and seasonal options
• Lenten Altar Cloths / Linens
Purple seasonal linens and altar coverings, made to order
• Incense
Frankincense, blends, and liturgical incense options
• Charcoal
Easy-to-light options for thuribles and incense use
• Sanctuary Candles / Devotional Candles
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Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion)
Good Friday is solemn, powerful, and usually packed — especially when your parish offers veneration of the cross. The goal here is simple: make sure you have what you need for a smooth liturgy and a prayerful atmosphere (without any last‑minute scrambling).
Checklist:
• Cross / Crucifix (if your parish uses a dedicated veneration cross)
• Incense + Charcoal (optional — if your parish uses incense on Good Friday)
• Candles (depending on your setup — some parishes keep it minimal, others use devotional/votive candles)
Helpful Notes:
• Veneration Cross: If you’ve ever had the “our crucifix is beautiful but not ideal for a long line of people to venerate” moment… a dedicated veneration cross can make the flow so much easier (and protect your main sanctuary crucifix).
• Candles: Even one or two intentional candle areas can make the church feel more prayerful without adding a ton of work.
Shop:
Including veneration-friendly options
• Incense
• Charcoal
• Candles
Altar, sanctuary, or votive depending on your parish
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Holy Saturday & Easter Vigil (OCIA + Easter Proclamation)
The Easter Vigil is the most beautiful (and most logistics-heavy) liturgy of the year — New Fire, procession, the Exsultet, baptisms/confirmations for OCIA (RCIA), and a packed church holding candles. This is the section parishes most often wish they planned earlier.
Checklist:
• Paschal Candle (the central candle of the Vigil and the entire Easter season)
• Congregational Candles (for the faithful during the procession/light ceremony)
• Drip Protectors / Bobeches (highly recommended — saves pews, floors, and everyone’s sanity)
• Candle Lighters / Tapers / Utility Lighters (so lighting the church doesn’t turn into chaos)
• Christ Candles (optional — a meaningful take-home candle for parishioners)
• Baptismal Candles (if your parish has baptisms)
• OCIA (RCIA) Sacramental Items (as needed: certificates, candles, etc.)
Helpful Notes:
• Paschal Candle: This candle isn’t just “for one night” — it’s used throughout the Easter season and at baptisms/funerals, so choosing a size/design you love matters.
• Congregational Candles: Order enough for your expected crowd + extras — Easter Vigil attendance can surprise you.
• Drip Protectors: This is the #1 most-forgotten item. If you’ve ever cleaned wax out of carpet or pew cracks… you already know.
• OCIA/RCIA: If you’re welcoming new Catholics, having baptismal candles and any needed certificates ready makes the night feel seamless and intentional.
• Christ Candles: Often given to parishioners as a special symbol of the Paschal Candle to bring the light of Christ into their homes during the Easter season. A simple gift with big meaning.
Shop:
Sizes + designs for the Easter season
For the assembly
Wax control = peace
Extra thick wood lighting tapers are also available
Cirio-style take-home candles
First light candles in English or Spanish
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Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is joyful, full, and fast-moving — and it’s also when many parishes “reset” the sanctuary for the Easter season. A little prep here makes the whole church feel bright, intentional, and ready for visitors.
Checklist:
• White/Gold Vestments (and any matching stoles)
• White/Gold Altar Cloths / Linens (and backups if you have multiple Masses)
• Easter Banners (a beautiful way to celebrate the season)
• Easter Bulletins (Parishes can print anything they would like (hymns, readings etc.) on these to guide their congregation through the mass.
• Easter Offering Envelopes
Helpful Notes:
• Easter bulletins: A beautiful way to guide the congregation through the celebration of the Resurrection — especially helpful for visitors following along with hymns, readings, and announcements.
• Linens: Multiple Masses + lots of movement = having a backup cloth or extra linens can save the day.
• Easter offering envelopes: Makes giving simple and intentional on one of the biggest Sundays of the year. We carry a variety of designs so you can choose what fits your parish best.
Shop:
White & Gold chasubles, stoles, and seasonal options
• Easter Altar Cloths / Linens
White & Gold seasonal linens and altar coverings, made to order
Set the tone for your Easter season with our beautifully designed banners. Crafted with care, our Easter banners celebrate the joy and renewal of Christ’s resurrection.
Designed for Easter services, parishes can print anything they would like (hymns, readings etc.) on these to guide the congregation through the mass.
Make giving a meaningful part of your Lent & Easter worship experience with our offering envelopes. Available in a variety of designs, we will help you find an envelope that reflects the spirit of your church.
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Bonus: Divine Mercy Sunday (One Week After Easter)
Many parishes celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday with special devotions, chaplets, and prayer opportunities. If your parish observes it, it’s an easy “bonus” section to plan for — and a beautiful way to extend the Easter season.
Checklist:
• Divine Mercy Chaplets (for chaplet devotion services)
• Divine Mercy Prayer Cards / Booklets (helpful for visitors and group prayer)
• Candles (for devotional prayer spaces or Adoration)
• Divine Mercy Image / Prints (for display in the church or chapel)
Helpful Notes:
• What is Divine Mercy Sunday? It’s celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter and often includes praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and veneration of the Divine Mercy image.
• Prayer cards/booklets: These are perfect if you’re hosting a chaplet service — they make participation easy, especially for visitors.
• Candles: Even a simple devotional table with an image + candles can make the space feel intentional and prayerful with minimal setup.
Shop:
• Divine Mercy Books / Prayer Cards
• Candles
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Don’t wait until the last minute to order! Use this Holy Week & Easter Parish Supply Checklist to help ensure you have everything you need for a meaningful Lenten season and a joyful Easter celebration.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND ORDER YOUR SUPPLIES!
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