"In the footsteps of Jesus"

Holy Week 2008

"It felt like Jesus was there"

Christ the Servant and St Thomas the Martyr joined with our three church schools during Holy Week to follow the same journey "in the footsteps of Jesus".

The three schools followed a co-ordinated programme of learning, worship and fun to ensure that all the children experienced and enjoyed something very special during the week.

The theme of journey continued throughout the week and the children each had a "passport" to aid their travels and allow them to keep a diary. You can download the puzzles from the passport here.

On Monday we celebrated "Palm Sunday", with workshops focussing on making banners and musical instruments. The day ended with a palm procession in each school. The children were full of excitement and enthusiasm. "I liked the Palm Sunday parade. We waved our streamers and it was fun. When we held up our palm crosses in church it felt like Jesus was there."

Banners made by children at Bishop Martin

Tuesday's theme was "Jesus in the temple" and the workshops explored the various emotions of Holy Week. The children said "I liked looking at all the different moods in the paintings."

On Wednesday we shared together in a "Maundy Thursday" meal as we learnt about the Last Supper. Music and dancing helped to set the scene, we then washed each others hands as we remembered Jesus' act of service and shared in the breaking of bread. "Washing people's hands in the last supper was a special thing to do ... It was good having the bread and "wine" because it was something that Jesus did and we could do it too ... we got to be like the disciples."

Our focus on Thursday was the cross, as we explored the story of "Good Friday".

Crosses showing the work of children at Bishop Martin

On Easter Tuesday, when the children returned from their break, we shared in an Easter Celebration, reminding us that we continue to follow in the footsteps of Jesus throughout our lives.

You can follow the journey we made using our home leaflet, which contains details of the programme and some suggested readings and reflections. Either view it on screen or download a copy for printing.

It was a wonderful week and a journey that adults and children alike will never forget. "I found out that God is not just our Father, he is love as well ... I liked retelling the story like we were there ... Holy Week was special for me because it brought pupils, teachers and God closer together".

Photographs and comments from the children at Bishop Martin

Photographs from Bishop Martin - Part 1

Photographs from Bishop Martin - Part 2

Comments from the children at Roby Mill

Comments from the children at St Thomas the Martyr

Article about "Footsteps" from our May Magazine

Timetable of the week at Bishop Martin

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Original idea based on "Jerusalem Journey" - Ripon and Leeds Diocese