Written by Ann Marie Zeimetz, principal, Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School, Rogers, MN, azeimetz@mqpcatholic.org
Lent is a season of walking.
Walking toward Easter.
Walking toward forgiveness.
Walking toward deeper love.
At Mary Queen of Peace, our PK-4 students step into that journey together during our 2026 Lenten Retreat, “Walking with Jesus.” Our goal is simple but powerful: to help our students understand that Lent is not just something we talk about—it is something we live.
Key message for our students:
During Lent, we walk with Jesus by praying, helping others, and choosing kindness.
A Day of Prayer, Movement, Service, and Reflection
From 9 AM to 2:45 PM, our school transforms into a retreat experience. Each classroom hosts a different Lenten station, and students rotate throughout the day. Parent volunteers join us, especially supporting our youngest learners, creating a beautiful sense of community.
Here’s how our students walk with Jesus:
- Stations of the Cross (Kindergarten Room)
All of our PK-4 students experience a simplified, interactive version of the Stations of the Cross. Using age-appropriate language and visuals, they learn about Jesus’ love and sacrifice. The focus is not on fear or sadness, but on love—the kind of love that gives everything. - Prayer Jars (First Grade)
Students decorate their own prayer jars and fill them with names and intentions—family members, friends, neighbors, and special prayers. This activity emphasizes daily prayer during Lent and gives students something tangible to bring home and continue using. - The Last Supper (Second Grade, led by Fr. Pavlik)
In one of the most meaningful moments of the day, students sit in groups of twelve and reenact the Last Supper. With grape juice and bread, and guided by Fr. Pavlik, they learn about the Eucharist in a way that is both reverent and accessible. It is faith formation at its best—rooted in relationship and understanding. - Crown of Thorns Craft (Third Grade)
Students create crowns of thorns from paper plates. On each “thorn,” they write a kind or sacrificial act they can do during Lent. Each time they complete a good deed, they remove a thorn—a visible reminder that love and sacrifice matter. - Blessing Bags Service Project (Fourth Grade & Preschool Buddies)
Our older students partner with preschool buddies to assemble blessing bags for those in need. They decorate the bags and fill them with items for the homeless and immigrants. This station brings almsgiving to life and reminds students that Lent calls us outward—toward service. - Lenten Obstacle Course (Physical Education)
Mr. Hall designs a Lenten obstacle course representing Prayer, Sacrifice, and Service. Students move, work as teams, and physically experience the idea that following Jesus requires effort, perseverance, and cooperation. Faith and movement come together in a joyful way.
Learning to Be Still
In addition to the rotations, students are given quiet time for reflection—something that can be surprisingly powerful for young hearts. Through guided meditation about Jesus in the desert, soft music, and silent prayer, students are invited to think about how they can walk with Jesus in their daily lives. Some reflect while holding prayer rocks painted with words like Love, Forgiveness, and Pray. Even our youngest students show us that they are capable of silence—and that God meets them there.
Gathering as One School Family
We close our retreat and gather together as a school community. A few students bravely will share what they learned and what touches their hearts. Their reflections remind us why Catholic education matters.
We end with a simple but powerful message:
We do not stop walking with Jesus today—our Lenten journey continues every day.
At Mary Queen of Peace, Lent is not just something we observe. It is something we live—in our classrooms, in our hallways, on the playground, and in our homes.
We are so grateful to our teachers, Fr. Pavlik, Mr. Hall, and our parent volunteers who help make this day possible. Most of all, we are proud of our students, who show us that even the youngest disciples can walk faithfully with Jesus.
And the journey continues.
