Students at Tenison Woods College have been participating in a variety of activities and learning why Easter is such a significant time for Catholics.
Students have been designing artwork to appear on the sacred Paschal candles, which are used in the college chapel and at St Paul’s Church.
For Catholics, the Paschal candle is a powerful symbol of a pillar of fire and a reminder that “Christ is our Light”.
Each year, Tenison Woods College Year 5 students are invited to participate in designing artwork which represents the Eucharistic community of which they are a part.
This year, the winning artwork selected for the Easter Paschal candles were designed by Year 5 students Caitlin Mugavin and Jenit Jenni.
One candle will remain at the college chapel for the year, with the other to be lit for the first time at the Easter Vigil Mass at St Paul’s Church on Easter Saturday.
Religious Education coordinator Chloe Shanahan said for Tenison Woods College and the Catholic community, Easter was the most significant event on the church calendar and a time of reflection.
“I am really looking forward to this special time as we gather to mark the death and resurrection of Jesus. This year, as a parish, we are excited to welcome three new members to the Catholic community at the Easter Saturday Vigil,” she said.
“These people will celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion after preparation in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. We look forward to warmly welcoming them into full communion with the church.”
Ms Shanahan said students of Tenison Woods College focused on the themes of Holy Week this week.
“They have done this through praying the Stations of the Cross – commemorating the last steps of Jesus on Good Friday,” she said.
“Students have also partaken in Project Compassion fundraisers since the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday). Project Compassion is run by Caritas Australia and this year under the theme of ‘For All Future Generations’, students have become privy to the work the organisation does around the world to offer hope to people most vulnerable to extreme injustice and poverty.”
Principal David Mezinec said the Lent period leading up to Easter was significant for the school community.
“I have been delighted how students have lived the college theme ‘Be The One’ by being the ones to support Caritas’ Project Compassion campaign, raising funds for those requiring support in our global community,” he said.
“Each week during the season of Lent, Project Compassion focussed on the stories of people directly affected by projects supported by Caritas.
“To wrap up the Project Compassion fundraising the College held a Caritas K’s event where classes from Early Learning to Year 12 together with staff and parents, spent the day walking laps of Marist Park oval raising funds and awareness of those who walk for necessity; water, health, education and food.”
