From the APRE Desk
Week 5! Half way through the term and how quickly the weeks are going. This week has seen number of significant celebrations and liturgies which mark a very important season in the church's Liturgical calendar; Lent.
Our students have contributed to and participated in the Religious life of our school with the following events:
Project Compassion Last Sunday 19th February, our school captain and vice captains represented our school at the launch of Project Compassion, an annual initiative of Caritas. This year’s theme is “For all future generations”. We encourage our students to engage in the activities which focus on a different story each week of Lent, and to provide financial support, where they can, through the use of the Project compassion boxes which are in each classroom.
Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent starts or more commonly known as Pancake Day, which refers to the fried batter recipe traditionally eaten on this day. Thankyou to our families and school community for contributing to and supporting our pancake fundraiser which was held on Tuesday 21st February. The students’ support and enthusiasm was greatly appreciated and over $200 was raised for the Sisters of Mercy. Thankyou!
Ash Wednesday – Today is Ash Wednesday. This day marks the beginning of Lent, which lasts for six weeks. We call it Ash Wednesday because Christians around the world receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. Ashes are a sign of sorrow and repentance. This cross of ashes tells friends and neighbours that we are not perfect, and that we know we are not perfect.
A solemn and reflective liturgy was held in the Mercy Centre on Wednesday morning this week. Fr Michael led our students from Year 3 -6 and the Year 7 students from the College, in prayer, reflections and the distribution of ashes. Each class from Prep – Year 2 were visited by Fr Michael where the ashes were distributed to these students as well.
Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and sharing what we have. Through prayer we come closer to God, helping us to live justly, as Jesus teachers us. By fasting (not eating something), we join in solidarity with people experiencing poverty, who often have no choice but to go without basic human needs. Sharing what we have (or almsgiving) is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.
Fr Michael asks us to stop and think about how we can make good choices and enrich the lives of others this Lenten season, which begins today. We encourage you to continue to remind/prompt your child about what you can do together as a family to help others in our community.
Sacramental Program begins this weekend. The enrolment ritual for these students will be held at the weekend Masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday 6pm or Sunday 9am. We pray for those students who are undertaking this program, that the Holy Spirit will guide and support them and their families on their sacramental journey.
In closing, I’d like to share Tia’s prayer. Tia is a Year 3C student;
God, the creator of life
who created the day and night and has always been with us.
Help us to appreciate all who have made the Earth a better place and always be with us.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Written by Tia Ein Al Sheba in 3C using the YWDT format (all original)
A beautiful and heartfelt prayer. Thankyou Tia!
Echoing Tia’s words, may God be with you all throughout the weeks ahead as we begin our Lenten journey.
Have a great week and thanks for reading!
Ann-Maree