Religious Education with Mrs Skelly
Pope Francis on the season of LENT – a ‘wake-up call for the soul!’
“Lent is the time to rediscover the direction of our lives. Are we seeking the path forward in the journey of life or are we satisfied with living in the moment and thinking only of feeling good, solving some problems and having fun? What is the path? Is it the search for health, … possessions and well-being?
Of the many things occupying our thoughts, which we chase after and worry about every day, nothing will remain. No matter how hard we work, we will take no wealth with us from this life…earthly realities fade away like dust in the wind. Possessions are temporary, power passes, success wanes.
Lent is the time to free ourselves from the illusion of chasing after things that will not last and for rediscovering that we are created for God, not for the world; for the eternity of heaven, not for earthly deceit; for the freedom of the children of God, not for slavery to things.
The three steps of Lent
Three Lenten practices bring us back to the three realities that do not fade away:
- Prayer reunites us with God;
- charity and compassion reunites us with our neighbour;
- fasting reunites us with our true selves.
Lent: a time of grace
Let us not allow this Lenten season of grace to pass in vain! Let us leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption and turn to Jesus. Let us stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them. In this way, by concretely welcoming Christ’s victory over sin and death into our lives, we will also radiate its transforming power to all of creation.”
Project Compassion and Harmony Day
Our Year 6 Mini Vinnies students have been busy contemplating the needs of others and discussing how we at St Mary’s can make a difference. Our first fundraiser will be next Friday 22 March. Next week is HARMONY WEEK – it is the United Nations International anniversary for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community. In other words, a time to celebrate the giftedness of all human beings. And a time to celebrate peace, justice and compassion.
Children are to come in colourful clothing on Friday 22 March and bring a gold coin donation to support ‘Project Compassion.’
