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Good Friday provided multiple opportunities for prayer
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While some of the public schools in the area did not have classes on Good Friday, the students at STJSP were not only at school — but they were also taking part in a variety of services and prayer opportunities that helped them focus on the significance of the day.
At the St. Joan of Arc campus, the students in third through eighth grade listened to multiple scripture passages, sang songs, and prayed during their Tenebrae service, “Reflecting on the Passion of Jesus Christ.” At the point in the scriptures when Jesus died, the students stomped their feet for a short time resulting in what sounded like an earthquake — recalling the moment of Jesus’ death.
Lincoln, a third-grader, said of the service, “It made me kind of sad a little at the end. My eyes watered a little.” He said the time of prayer made him want to do better because of all Jesus has done for us. “He literally died for us,” Lincoln said. “Still, we fail every day; that’s because we’re human.”
Classmate Emmett made a special sacrifice for Good Friday. “Since Jesus couldn’t eat, I gave up every single thing besides water for Good Friday.”
Another third-grader, Gina, said, “It helped me remember that Jesus died for us. We should do good, but we still fail. Jesus still loves us.”
With the completion of each scripture reading, another candle was extinguished until all the candles were out and the students sat quietly in the darkened church.
According to eighth-grader Kelsey, “When the last light went out, it was kind of like a jab to the stomach because it symbolized Christ dying on the cross.”
Eighth-grader Jacob said the service “helped me know more about Good Friday and Jesus. It helped me know more about what He went through.”
Later in the day, students prayed the Stations of the Cross.
At the St. Patrick campus, the students in Preschool through second grade gathered in the gym and sang the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Throughout the day, each class took part in other prayer opportunities as well.
