CLEVELAND — There’s about another week of Lent left on the Catholic calendar and some students in northeast Ohio are honoring this period before Easter by bringing back a tradition that the pandemic sidelined.
It’s Susan Obergefell’s job to lead the students of St. Mary of the Assumption School in Mentor in song.
“I love giving the students a way to use their artistic talents,” the music teacher said.
On Wednesday, she passed out costumes to the kids taking part in the Faith Builders program. The outfits transported them back to biblical times.
“We’re nervous because we had to memorize all these things in like two days,” said Aryanna Manista. “’Cause we only got like two days to practice, and now it’s our big show.”
It’s the first time for fifth-grade students like Manista to take part in sharing the story of Easter.
“Because it teaches the younger kids about it and about what happened,” said Becca Sobochan, fifth grade.
“And we’re all celebrating Lent,” said Gabby Gentile, a fifth grader.
Because of the pandemic, this is the first time in three years the school held a live performance of the Stations of the Cross.
“The kids are excited to participate, the other students and teachers are excited to see it again and get back to normalcy,” said teacher Aida O’Meara.
The community gathered in the church Wednesday for the reenactment.
“It feels good,” said eighth grade student Michael Valentino. “It’s better to bring everyone together as one group.”
The group united by faith.
“Being all together and being in God’s home, close with Him,” said Jake Bobinski, an eighth grader.
Everyone was excited to be in one place together.
“Any time you’re together, the power of prayer is great,” said O’Meara. “The more we have together, the more we understand that all of us are in the same place.”
The students brought to life a meaningful message.
“Hopefully it becomes more real to them and they think, ‘Am I being kind? Am I helping others?’” Obergefell said.
