Building the city creates a whole new way of learning and allows students to take the same steps as Jesus did, Ryan said.

“The Stations are a compelling way to understand what Christ went through,” he said. “My classes do Stations weekly during Lent, and I decided they would be a great way to learn about and truly understand Lent.”

His class makes a model of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus by building all the essential buildings relevant to Jerusalem during Christ’s time. Buildings are made of boxes and as each area is completed, the class learns about its history and importance. Through it all, Ryan takes a very behind-the-scenes role and lets the students lead.

“I was inspired by my students and the desire for them to learn more about the area and what Christ went through during his death,” he said. “I was amazed at its impact on the students and how they wanted to know more about his journey and all the places, stops and people he met while walking the Sorrowful Path.”

Last year, in addition to boxes, many places were created using a mix of materials. The Temple Rotunda; the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus took to his death; the three crosses, and the tomb were made out of clay. Other structures include Antonia Fortress, the upper room where the Last Supper was held, Herod’s Fortress, and Praetorium. The three crosses, the crucifixion, and burial at the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea complete the project.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the three pillars of Lent, but Ryan believes understanding Christ’s passion is something we can all benefit from as we prepare for Easter Sunday. He feels it is essential for his fifth graders to know the story behind what they read and learn about and admits he has learned much as well.

“It also helped me realize that, even though I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic schools my entire life, we don’t stop to think about what Jesus went through on his journey to his crucifixion and dying for our sins,” Ryan said.

Open to the public, St. Michael’s City of Jerusalem is certain to impact all who worked on it and who see it, and if last year's reactions are any indication, be prepared to be moved and inspired.

“The students loved every bit of it last year and were sorry we had to get rid of it. I knew we had to do it again this year,” Ryan said. “Everyone, including parents who came to visit the school last year, were amazed by the project. My hope is that they are equally moved and inspired by it this year.”

For more information on the school and this project, go to www.smcprep.org or call (512) 327-7755.