It is hard to believe that we have already entered Holy Week. Palm Sunday ushered us into this sacred time with beautiful, prayerful celebrations at our parishes, and we now find ourselves walking together in these final, most profound days of our Lenten journey.
This is a grace-filled moment to pause, reflect on the promises we made at the start of Lent, make any needed corrections to our course, and finish strong — with perhaps our most meaningful Lent yet. As we do, let us hold close this prayer:
Lord, let everything I do in this Holy Week be inspired by You. Help me to remember that nothing is truly important in my life unless it glorifies You in some way. It is so easy to become caught up in the busyness of daily life. Help me to enter fully into Your Passion through my Lenten promises, and remind me always that You went to the desert, the garden, and the Cross — for me.
Amen.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) Alfombras (Rugs) – Our talented 5th grade class has completed their alfombras and have them on display in the main hallway. They will be up until Thursday, please take a moment to view these lovely works of art. Semana Santa alfombras are vibrant, ephemeral rugs meticulously created on streets, primarily in Antigua, Guatemala, to celebrate Easter. Made from dyed sawdust, flower petals, pine needles, and fruits, these temporary artworks represent religious devotion and community.
Seder Meal & Shadow Stations — This Thursday, April 2nd Our middle school students will be celebrating a Catholic Seder Meal in the Commons. Feel free to join us as we journey through the Last Supper together. Following the Seder Meal, our 4th grade class will be hosting Shadow Stations in the HFCS Gymnasium this Thursday at 10:30 AM. This is a deeply moving student-led reflection on the Stations of the Cross, and all are welcome. Please also note that Holy Thursday is a minimum day, with student release at 11:30 AM.
Basketball Tournament — April 10th & 11th Although our school will be on Spring Break from April 3rd through the 12th, I want to encourage every family to come out and cheer on our basketball players at the final tournament of the season on Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th. Your presence in the stands makes an immeasurable difference to our young athletes, who continue to represent our school with determination, character, and heart.
As we journey together through these final days of Lent toward the glory of Easter, I hold each of your families in prayer. May this Holy Week draw you closer to the love and mercy of our Lord.
Pax et bonum,
Sue Styren, M.Ed.