This Lenten season, the community of St. Raphael School, Hamilton, took steps to prepare its minds and hearts to both celebrate the Paschal Mystery, and reach out to help others in need.
On April 13, the school held a Triduum Retreat, an opportunity to better understand the journey of Jesus through the sacred days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The youngsters re-enacted Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, made small crosses and carried a life-size replica as Christ and Simon of Cyrene did on Good Friday.
Students also participated in a Holy Saturday service opportunity, noted Eileen Garretson, St. Raphael director of marketing.
“We worked in the spirit of Christ to feed the hungry,” Garretson said. “Each class was asked to bring in a specific food item that was then contributed to a meal for someone who is in need of nourishment physically and spiritually.”
In addition to learning more about their Catholic faith, the students internalized other lessons during the Triduum Retreat.
“As we truly accept Jesus’ love, mercy and grace, we are empowered to love our neighbors,” noted Garretson. “God calls us to be light, love and truth. We are called to serve, to help those in need.”