St. Joseph Regional Academy students stood on the front steps of St. Joseph Church in Jim Thorpe on Thursday in order to celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.

The children also held balloons that they released after joining in prayer with the Rev. Frank Baransky."Today we celebrate the ascension of the Lord and it was when the disciples were gathered around him that he was taken up to heaven on a cloud," he said. "This (the balloon release) is sort of a symbolic way of participating in that feast."Amanda Salovay, principal of the school, said that they release the balloons annually on Ascension Thursday.She also pointed out that on each balloon was a medal so whoever found the balloon would know where it came from.