Religious Education

PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR EASTER               

 As I write this, Easter is just over two weeks away, yet we have only just reached the midpoint of Lent. This is a significant moment in our 40-day journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, leading us toward the joy of Easter. Around this time, we celebrate Laetare Sunday—Laetare meaning "rejoice" in Latin—a day that brings a moment of hope and encouragement amid Lent’s sacrifices. The Church marks this shift by wearing rose-colored vestments instead of the usual Lenten purple, reminding us to stay strong in our commitments and refocus our hearts on Christ as we prepare for His resurrection.

With the holiday break approaching, it’s easy to feel like Easter is even closer—but in reality, when we return to school, Easter will have only just begun! We encourage our students to look beyond the chocolate eggs filling store shelves and remember that Easter is about Jesus, not the Easter Bunny.

In every year level, we are exploring the key events of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Church’s calendar. This begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus enters Jerusalem to cheering crowds. Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday reflect on His teachings and the growing tension before His Passion. Holy Thursday marks the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, teaching us about love and service. Good Friday is a solemn day when we remember His crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice. Holy Saturday is a time of quiet waiting before the joy of Easter Sunday.

A special way we deepen our faith at school during this time is through the Stations of the

 Cross. As in past years, we have displayed images of the 14 stations around the schoolyard, depicting Jesus’ journey from condemnation to burial. We invite our students to walk this path prayerfully, reflecting on His suffering with gratitude. On Friday morning, we will gather in the hall, where some of our Year 5 students will lead us through the Stations of the Cross in a solemn and meaningful service. This will be an important moment of reflection before we shift gears to the excitement of the Easter raffle and an early dismissal for the holidays.

For families wishing to participate, the Stations of the Cross take place each Friday night during Lent at 7 pm at St. Patrick’s Church. A special devotional performance, featuring the Parish choir and musical director Alan Cook, will be held on April 11th.

Below, you will find the Holy Week and Easter Mass times for St. Patrick’s Church. These celebrations offer a wonderful opportunity to share in the richness of our faith. The Triduum—the three most sacred days of the Church year—begins with Holy Thursday, when the priest re-enacts Jesus washing the feet of His disciples as a sign of service and love. On Good Friday, we are invited to venerate the Cross and reflect on Jesus’ suffering. Then, at the Easter Vigil, the most beautiful and symbolic celebration of the Church year, we gather in darkness around a fire, awaiting the light of Christ to fill the church. With candles, music, flowers, and incense, this powerful experience reminds us that even death could not overcome the true Light of the World.  

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2025 MASS AND SERVICE TIMES

May this Holy Week be a time of reflection, faith, and anticipation as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter together.

Kathryn Ady

Religious Education Leader