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On Easter Sunday, children and families gathered in Calvary’s newly renovated Swan Garden for our annual Easter Egg Hunt—a joyful expression of the Resurrection and new life in Christ. Timed between our morning worship services, the event provided a meaningful and playful way for children to celebrate the Good News that Jesus is risen. Over 50 children participated, eagerly searching for colorful eggs filled with sweet surprises. Volunteers from our Confirmation Prep and older Faith Formation classes helped prepare and hide over 800 eggs, offering their time and energy as a form of Easter service. Rooted in the joy of the Resurrection, this tradition reflects our belief that Christ brings new life to the world. As children ran through the garden, laughter and community filled the air—an outward sign of the hope we share in the risen Christ. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
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Last week, the younger Faith Formation students were introduced to the events of Holy Week, beginning with Jesus' joyful entry into Jerusalem and ending with Easter Sunday. They listened to the story of the Last Supper and then participated in a simple reenactment of the sacred meal. The class shared bread and juice, remembering how Jesus broke bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my Body,” and “This is my Blood.” During the discussion that followed, the children were invited to wonder about what it might have been like to sit at the table with Jesus and why he gave us this meal to remember him. The older students explored the events of Holy Week through a lesson on The City of Jerusalem and the Paschal Mystery. Gathering around a detailed 3D model of Jerusalem, the students traced the key moments of Jesus’ final days on Earth—His Last Supper, arrest in the Garden of Olives, trial, crucifixion, burial, and the joyful mystery of His resurrection. The lesson emphasized that each step Jesus took in this holy city was an act of deep love. Through this concrete, visual approach, the children encountered the historical reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and reflected on how His love is made visible in these sacred events. The presentation helped deepen their understanding of the Incarnation and Paschal Mystery, while preparing their hearts for the upcoming celebration of Holy Week and Easter. As part of the lesson, the students baked Resurrection Rolls—sweet dough wrapped around a marshmallow that melts away during baking, leaving the inside empty. These treats symbolized the empty tomb and the glory of the risen Christ. At the end of the class, the students gave a brief, thoughtful presentation to the younger students, sharing the delicious rolls and the meaning behind them: “Like the tomb on Easter morning, these are empty inside—because Jesus is risen!” Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students reflected on the mystery of life and death in light of the Lenten season and the approaching celebration of Easter. They heard one of Jesus’ shortest but most profound parables from John 12:24: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” The class then observed how a seed must be buried in the earth to grow into something new by gently uncovering soil in small pots to see sprouted seeds, and then marveled at a full wheat stalk. This helped the children understand that though the seed changes form, it continues in a new and greater way—just like Jesus, who gave His life and rose with a new, eternal life. The session concluded with a hands-on seed planting activity. Each child planted seeds for vegetables which will be transplanted into the raised- bed garden in the spring. As Lent continues, the children are learning to recognize signs of hope and new life, preparing their hearts to celebrate Easter—Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life. More about this lesson here. The older students went deeper into this reflection through Scripture, tradition, and action.They discussed the meaning of transformation and how Christ’s death brings eternal life. They then began a new outreach project: launching a vertical hydroponic garden at church. This garden will grow fresh produce year-round, which the children will donate or sell to raise funds for those in need—turning their reflection into meaningful service. To conclude, they prepared Koliva, a traditional wheat-based dish used in Orthodox memorial services, and brought it to share with the younger children. Through reflection, tradition, and concrete acts of service, our Level III students are deepening their understanding of the Paschal Mystery and embracing their call to bring life to others. Last week in Faith Formation, the students explored the image Jesus gave us in the parable of The True Vine. We began by recalling our last story about the Good Shepherd, and then listened closely to the words of John 15:1–11. We discovered that Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, and God is the Vine grower. The students learned that just like sap flows through a vine to help it grow, the Holy Spirit flows in us to help us bear good fruit like kindness, love, and peace. After our discussion, the children helped plant a real grapevine which we will care for throughout the year. It was a special reminder that we are all branches connected to Jesus. For a creative activity, students decorated small grapevine wreaths with flowers and symbols of new life. These wreaths serve as a reminder that we are always part of Jesus’ love. Enjoying the Gift • In what ways do you experience the gift of being part of the Vine? • How have you seen and enjoyed the beautiful fruits of the branches? • What helps you to remain on the Vine and continue to be filled with life-giving sap? • What sort of fruit does this sap help you to bear? • When you examine your branch and see that there are blocks to the fullness of sap that God desires to give, how could you ask for his help in removing those blocks in order to remain even closer to him and bear, once again, the most beautiful fruit? |
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