Sister Jeanne Marie Akalski is consumed with the congregational Mission: “As Felician Franciscans, called by God, we cooperate with Christ in the spiritual renewal of the world.” Whether preparing for Catholic Schools Week or celebrating the Year of Saint Joseph or any other religion activity, Sister Jeanne tries to involve students and their families, especially their parents. Lent 2021 was another opportunity to evangelize not just the students but their parents. Each student received a large cross on a piece of heavier paper 16 ½ by 22 inches. The Cross had 40 sections with guidelines on how to spend this Lent differently each day. None of the suggestions hinged on the traditional “give up candy.” The ideas ranged from challenging items for fourth graders, such as forgiving someone or asking for forgiveness, to easy ones like hug a family member or smile at your classmate. The students were instructed to choose a different option each day. Having accomplished it, they then filled in that section either by coloring or using some other artistic filler like beads, sequins, buttons, stickers, flowers, jewels, etc. The fourth graders were encouraged to have their parents help them in this project. In some cases, both parents and children would become richer in our Catholic faith by reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan or the Parable of the Lost Sheep. In other situations, donating food to a local pantry, giving toys to needy children, or books to a library strengthened the family’s spirit of service. The fourth graders have completed their crosses, and each one is a special remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and Lent 2021. Sister Jeanne hopes that Lent has become a living experience for the members of her class. It is quite evident that families have spent quality time together on this project. All posters were A+, and Sister Jeanne is truly grateful for the wondrous way her students and their parents lived their faith during this holy Lenten season.
