Student Reflects on Easter Celebration and Joy

Written by: Veronica
Holy Redeemer Catholic School
Posted on April 23, 2010

Easter is a happy time for the Catholic Church and community. Jesus is risen from the dead! He is alive.

Like many people, I went to church on Easter Sunday. I was struck by all the people and the happiness yet sadness on their faces. Everyone was singing and clapping and some even dancing. The benches were full so some people had to look for an available space to stand. We were all united as one.

What really struck me the most was the homily. Father Hector stood up and started off by saying, “Why such long faces? You all should be happy. Jesus is alive!” He explained that Lent was over and done with. No more sorrow or tears. Jesus is alive and risen from the dead. Now is the time we have all been waiting for. We can finally say the word Alleluia.

Father Hector said that as humans we would obviously feel bad for sinning but God and Jesus have forgiven our sins, so we should rejoice and celebrate with them. He ended the homily by saying that by Jesus dying and resurrecting, we also died and resurrected. We should live our new lives as happy and forgiven human beings.

As human beings, we will always sin and there is no way to stop that. But at least we will have hope. Hope that a loving, forgiving Father will be waiting for us with open arms in heaven.

 

Chrism Mass an "Amazing Opportunity" for Eighth Grade Students

Written by Emyline
St. Paul Catholic School, Leesburg
Posted on April 5, 2010

Bishop Wenski is shown during the Blessings of the Oils.
Photo by Valeta Orlando

Celebrating Lent at St. Paul’s Catholic School is a wonderful and faith-filled time for all the students. On Wednesday afternoons, grades Pre-K through 8th go to church for Stations of the Cross. Each week, a different class will lead the Stations, starting with our 8th grade. We enjoy spending this time with God and as a school family.

As we enter into the Triduum, St. Paul’s 8th grade had the amazing opportunity to participate in the celebration of the Chrism Mass in Orlando at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Bishop Thomas Wenski celebrated the Mass with us, along with all the priests from the Diocese of Orlando. The Mass was flawlessly beautiful; the choir had fantastic singers and the Shrine itself was simply magnificent.

I believe that times like these make us realize how truly fortunate we are to have such a wonderful faith. Lent is also a great time to find God and improve your life and the lives of those around you.