Happy Easter!

Please be advised that Governor Ned Lamont just announced a short time ago that schools are to remain closed through at least May 20th.  More information is expected at his 4pm news conference today.

Saint James School will continue to follow civil mandates and recommendations.  Therefore, upon the return from our April break, we will pick back up with distance learning until May 20th or until the state reopens schools.

Please continue to stay safe and vigilant and keep our front line workers (many of whom are a part of this school community) in your prayers.

Please read the attached letter from Mrs. Jennings, our social worker here at SJS.

Letter to parents from Mrs. Jennings

While Easter festivities may look a little different this year, the reason for celebrating is, of course, the same.  Here are a few ideas that you can do together at home as a family during this Holy weekend:

Watch live-streamed Masses celebrated by SJS graduate (and Mrs. Rafferty’s twin brother) Father Lerner https://stm.yale.edu/

Holy Saturday – 8pm
Easter Sunday – 10am

Watch Live-streamed Masses celebrated by Pope Francis on Vatican News:

Good Friday – 11am
Holy Saturday – 2:30pm
Easter Sunday –

• 4:00 a.m. EDT: Pope Francis will celebrate Easter Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
• 6:00 a.m. EDT: Pope Francis will offer the Urbi et Orbi: Message and Blessing

Watch Live-streamed Masses on the Archdiocese of Hartford’s own ORTV:

Holy Thursday – 7pm;  The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated by Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair. It will be live-streamed on ORTV.org and the Office of Radio & Television’s Facebook page.

Good Friday –

• 10 a.m. on WCCT & WCTX – Stations of the Cross
• 3 p.m. – A Good Friday Prayer Service will be conducted by Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair. It will be live-streamed on ORTV.org and the Office of Radio & Television Facebook.

Holy Saturday –

• 10 a.m. on WCCT & WCTX – Holy Saturday Prayer Service
• 7 p.m. – The Easter Vigil will be celebrated by Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair. It will be live-streamed on ORTV.org and the Office of Radio & Television’s Facebook page.

Easter Sunday –

• 5 a.m. on WCCT CW 20 & WCTX MyTV9
• 10 a.m. on WCCT & WCTX
• Noon on WTIC FOX 61

 

Activities:

Pray the Divine Mercy Novena:  The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday.  The daily intentions can be found HERE.

Make pretzels together.  The word pretzel comes from a Latin word meaning “little reward.” Legend says that a 7th century monk baked left-over strips of bread twisted into the shape of arms folded in prayer as rewards for children who learned their prayers. For an easy recipe, Click here.

Try making a palm cross: Click Here

Make Empty Tomb Rolls:  For an easy recipe, click here. While they bake, read or tell the story of Mary finding the empty tomb. When rolls are cool enough, countdown, have everyone break open their “tombs” and sing your favorite Alleluia song together!

Pray the Stations of the Cross aloud together, taking turns reading.  Use pictures or symbols to mark each station and place around your home or yard. Sing “Were You There” as you process from station to station. Print and video resources are available online, or write your own.

Video Resource: Stations of the Cross for Children

Print Resource: Stations of the Cross for Young Children

Watch the sunset together; process outside after dark; light a candle or bonfire and talk about the significance of the Paschal candle. Talk about how Jesus is light and hope for people, even when they feel alone, or lost or surrounded by darkness.
 
However you choose to celebrate, Saint James School wishes you a wonderful, blessed Easter with your family.