JEFFERSON — Students and staff at St. John the Baptist (SJB) School in Jefferson initiated their Lenten journey together on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The students in sixth and first grade took the lead in making the theme come alive on Ash Wednesday as they prepared for and led the readings and prayers at Mass that morning.
Making Rosaries
They also presented special Rosaries for every student and staff member in the school community.
Under the direction of first grade teacher, Lisa Kotz, and sixth grade teacher, Debbie Aumann, the first and sixth grade “Buddies” worked together to make Rosaries consisting of 10 prayer beads, a crucifix, and the Miraculous Medal.
These special gifts were placed in baskets and brought to the altar so that they could be blessed by Pastor Fr. Tom Coyle during the Ash Wednesday Mass.
Each class received a basket of Rosaries that are being used by students and teachers to offer daily prayer during Lent.
Lenten theme
Members of the SJB Student Council came together before Lent to collaborate on this year’s Lenten theme. They chose: “Do It For Jesus: Pray, Give, Sacrifice!”
Students felt it very important to adopt a school-wide theme that encourages active participation in Lent. Every class, from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, is developing a plan of action to support and carry out this year’s theme.
Acts of giving and sacrifice planned so far include: school-wide food drive for the Jefferson Food Pantry; cards for “adopted” seminarian, Vincent Racanelli; studying and observing the “Year of Consecrated Life”; letters/cards for those who are in need of prayer; offering allowance money to donate to the poor; supporting The Donkey Project; leading the school community in prayer at liturgies; presenting the “Living Stations” (third graders); Lenten Prayer Journals; second and eighth graders celebrating the annual Christian Seder for Holy Thursday; cards/letters for veterans on the Badger Honor Flight; and other class or individual activities to come.
The entire SJB school community prays that all Catholics will have a blessed Lenten season as they work to grow closer to Christ!
Margie Schels is an eighth grade teacher at St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson.