Religious Education with Mrs. Skelly
Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the Church Season of LENT
Next Wednesday our school and Parish community gather for Ash Wednesday Mass in the Church at 12pm. We will receive either a cross symbol with ashes on our foreheads OR a sprinkle of ashes on our heads. The ashes remind us that we are God’s children, created out of nothing but the love of God, and that we are called to lead lives of love and peace. The ashes remind us that we are all only human… we all make mistakes. And that we need to ask God’s forgiveness; and we need to have a change of heart, so that we can live in good relationship with God and each other.
Following Ash Wednesday, the Church season of LENT begins.
Ash Wednesday begins the Church season of Lent which lasts for 40 days leading up to EASTER. The number 40 is special because it is how long Jesus fasted and prayed for in the desert (cf. Luke 4:1-13) to prepare for his mission to spread God’s Word. The word Lent means springtime. For Christians, the 40 days of LENT are a time for personal reflection and renewal: They might ask themselves… am I really trying to be like Jesus by being loving, kind, compassionate, merciful, forgiving, just and prayerful? For Christians, Lent is a time to turn back to God.
Catholics are asked to practise three things during Lent to get them back on track…
- PRAYING – Catholics believe in the need to become closer to God by praying, reading the Scriptures (Bible), going to Mass, and receiving the Sacraments. Praying is spending time with God.
- pray the ‘Our Father’ or ‘Hail Mary’ really thinking about the words in the prayer;
- Talk to God in your own words;
- reflect on the Scriptures;
- or simply take some time in a quiet place to just BE in God’s presence;
- experience His love and receive His blessing by attending Mass.
Two great free websites dedicated to short daily prayer and meditation are:
- 3 minute retreat; and Lenten Moments of Mercy loyolapress.com
- Daily prayers and Scripture; pray.com.au
- FASTING – For Catholics, fasting is a reminder that food and material things alone cannot make us happy. Fasting from things we enjoy can build will-power for the times in our lives when we need it most.
Fast from… TV, computer time; or even things like…overindulgence, gossiping, selfishness).
- ALMSGIVING – Reach out to help the poor - support Project Compassion; look for works of love and mercy you can do every day; go out of your comfort zone, go over and beyond to spread Jesus’ message of hope, love and joy.
PROJECT COMPASSION … Showing RESPECT through Almsgiving
Lent marks the beginning of the annual Catholic fundraiser for the poor – the Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. As a school community, during the six weeks of Lent, we will be learning about the needs of these communities and giving to this appeal. You can learn more about Project Compassion here - www.lent.caritas.org.au
Our Mini Vinnies team will be working to help us answer Jesus’ call to give alms (almsgiving). Let us all support PROJECT COMPASSION through raising money for ‘the least of our brothers and sisters’.
Please support PROJECT COMPASSION by sending along ANY change you can spare for the classroom Project Compassion boxes.
