Education in Faith

As we know Holy Week is the final week of Lent, and a time to reflect and learn about the events happening in the life of Jesus that led to his crucifixion and resurrection. 

In a bit of a change from the norm, Holy Week will be taking place completely during our school holiday break this year. This however does not mean that our students have not launched into some quality learning about each of the events in Holy Week. Please find a brief summary of events below, some reflection questions for each event, as well as some examples of our students wonderful work. 

Palm Sunday 

Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem on a humble donkey, to an extremely excited reaction from large crowds of people. They wave palm fronds and place their jackets on the ground, shouting "Hosanna!" 

This is a positive story, however not everyone was happy with these events. Anger grows with certain people, particularly as the crowd refers to Jesus as their 'King.' 

Junior students imagined what it would be like to be present in the crowd. They brainstormed things they might say amongst the shouting and cheering. 

Reflection: What does it look like when we welcome Jesus into our heart? 

Holy Monday 

A story that is always interesting to unpack with students. Jesus heads to the temple to pray and finds it full of merchants, animals and those who have turned it into a market! 

Jesus acts in a way we might say is out of character, shouting, flipping tables and sending out people from the house of prayer.

This story helps remind us that Jesus, while the son of God, is also human. And who amongst us humans has not had times where our frustration boils over and we do things we regret! 

Reflection: How do I reflect later after I know I have done the wrong thing?

Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Before their passover meal, Jesus decides to wash the feet of his disciples. Their initial reaction is shock! Jesus, their leader, is too special to do a yucky job like wash feet! 

However Jesus reassures his disciples. To serve is to love, and he shows that no matter who we are, we can love and act for others. 

Junior students reflected on this, and how to be like Jesus we must serve others. 

Reflection: How can I serve others and be like Jesus? 

The Last Supper

Jesus broke bread and served the wine and discussed with his disciples how his time on Earth would soon be up. We now know this dinner to have an important link to our church service and the Sacrament of Eucharist. Year Four students making their Eucharist later this year will become experts in this story and its long lasting impact. 

Reflection: Why is Eucharist important when we attend Mass?

The Garden and Jesus is Arrested

Scared and alone Jesus travels to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, while unfortunately his tired disciples sleep nearby. Jesus knows the pain to come, and speaks to God. He sees a world full of sin and understands why he must make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Betrayed by Judas, Jesus is arrested by guards and taken away. 

Reflection: Who do we speak to when we feel scared or alone? How can they help?

The Stations of the Cross

Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilot to face his charges of speaking against the church, the rulers and for people referring to him as King. He does not argue, and the crowd surrounding him get lost in their emotion. 

Jesus is mocked and tortured, and forced to carry his heavy cross. The more events continue the more the crowd lose themselves in the moment and punish Jesus. The Stations of the Cross mark this important story and can be found in any church. 

Our Senior students reflected on the Stations of the Cross, creating beautiful art work that represents moments leading to Jesus being nailed to the cross. 

Jesus begs God to forgive all those involved, and then dies on the cross. His body is taken down by his friends and followers and placed in a tomb. As he dies, the crowd realise what they have just done, and how much glee they have taken in the suffering of someone else. 

Reflection: How do we maintain hope in the face of everything going against us? How do we stay positive and true to ourselves in awful times when it seems like everything is going wrong?

We look forward to celebrating the miracle of Easter Sunday as a school when we return in Term Two. We know that some of the events of Holy Week are  difficult to remember and think about, but it leads to the Glory of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

May we continue to reflect on the events of Holy Week, and think about our modern context of living a life like Jesus.

Wishing all of our wonderful families and community members a blessed school holiday break! May it be restful and full of joy! May God be with you over Easter 2025. 

Tim O'Mahoney

Education in Faith Leader

tomahoney@santglen.catholic.edu.au