Fourth graders drummed a beat. Fifth graders read scripture. Elementary students, teachers and staff  walked quietly on school grounds as part of the EMES annual Passion Walk. It was a time to learn about and remember the last week of Jesus’ life with stations to stop and reflect.

Flowers bloomed and the sun shone warmly for this tradition, which has taken place since the school began in 2005, and has happened in all kinds of weather and via video during COVID shut down.

“The Easter story is an important part of our faith journey,” says Maria Archer, K-8 principal. “When we create and continue a tradition like the Passion Walk, students begin to see Jesus’ story as part of their story…one that includes sadness and loss, but also joy and hope.”

The students stopped, listened to readings, and sang a song at five stops:

•  Jesus’ triumphal entry on a donkey into Jerusalem;
• Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples;
• Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas’ betrayed him in exchange for silver coins;
• Jesus’ death on a cross;
• and finally, Jesus resurrection.

See the readings shared at each stop in a 2019 article here.