The 8
th grade students of Father John V. Doyle School present Living Stations of the Cross each year on a Friday during Lent. The experience is designed to make the Stations of the Cross come alive for our students and parishioners. The presentation portrays the last painful hours in the life of our Savior in tableau form. We strive to bring our students, as well as the parishioners of Saints John & Paul Parish, to a closer understanding of the suffering which Jesus underwent while being led on the path to His death on the Cross. It is our hope that witnessing His strength through a live presentation will inspire all of us to endure suffering and hardship in His name.
There are two versions of the presentation offered each year. It began in 2006 with the main presentation which takes place in Church. The students act as narrators and create a live depiction of each station. This version is not so much a production as it is a time of prayer. It is presented at noon, which is the regular time for Stations in our parish every Friday during Lent; therefore, parishioners attend along with our 5
th through 8
th grade classes.
In 2007, a “younger-grade friendly” version was added. This version uses the same live depiction of each station with an age appropriate narration. The Stations are described by our student narrators in story form and using language geared towards grades K-4. While younger students know “the basic story,” the presentation strives to deepen their understanding of this time of suffering in the life of Christ.
Our middle school religion curriculum is a 3 year program. It covers the Old Testament, the life and mission of Jesus Christ, and the history of our Church. By Lent of their third year in the program, the 8
th grade students are familiar with the events in the life of Christ and how they relate to us as Catholic Christians. Students are asked to volunteer for the presentation and there is never a shortage of students willing to take part. They rehearse often during the Lenten season. Throughout the rehearsals, the significance of what they will be presenting is impressed upon the students. Even when there are glitches in the preparation, it always seems as though the Holy Spirit guides the students through a solemn and meaningful final presentation. This not only supports the instruction the students receive, it also makes the Stations of the Cross come alive for our parishioners.
Living Stations this year will take place on Friday, March 31, 2017. All are invited to attend.
As always,
Thank You for your support of Father John V. Doyle School!
Mrs. Jae T. Smith
Please review theannouncements & attachments listed below! And, as always, call or email with any questions/concerns!
Announcements:
Re-Enrollment Contracts
were
sent home with students
last week
. Please check backpacks if you haven't received yours!
A photo form for the Ladies Choice Event
is attached. Please print, complete, and bring it to the event! Thank you!
Grandparents Day will be held on Wednesday, April 5. Students who do not have a grandparent able to attend may invite a "Grandfriend!" Please use the attached document to register
if you have not already done so
!
We will be holding an Open House on Sunday, April 9, from 8:30am - 1pm. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors!
Our Lenten Food Drive continues... next week -
Cereal
&
Juice
(no glass jars please),,, currently
Kindergarten
is in the lead for "most canned goods to win a no uniform day!"
Our
Singing Saints Choir will be singing for Stations of the Cross at noon on Good Friday.
Save the Date for our
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on April 23, 2017! (flyer attached)
Confirmation registration forms went home with our 8th grade students this week. Return due date is April 30, 2017.
If your son/daughter has an
EpiPen, please open and review the attached notice from our school nurse.
Use the attached Sponsor Sheet
to promote your business or put in words of encouragement for your favorite actor or tech member
in our Spring Musical Production of Beauty & the Beast!
The student with the highest booster sales will get 2 FREE FRONT ROW tickets to the show of their choice