R.E News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Today Thursday 25th February, our classes begin our Lenten journey with an Ashes Service in each classroom. Lent is a time of preparation for the gift of new life that we receive at Easter. During this time, we are called to reflect upon our need for God and to address those things in our lives that distract us from the wholeness that only God can bring.

The great 20th Century author John Steinbeck once wrote: “All people’s sins are attempted shortcuts to love.”  Every person on this planet wants to feel valued, cared for, respected and loved. We all desire to feel whole and complete. Unfortunately, as part of our human condition, we all make the mistake of seeking this sense of peace by taking approaches that fall short of the mark.  We all take shortcuts.  At the time the shortcuts may look desirable, but in the end, they do not bring the peace and wholeness that we truly seek. So, let’s take this time to reflect on our lives, choices and how we can reach out to others as God reaches and loves each and every one of us.

In our coming days of Lent, Project Compassion will be operating throughout the school with every class given a Project Compassion Box. Our aim at St Simon the Apostle is to raise as much funds as possible to support the less fortunate around the world. I along with the Faith and Social Justice Student Leaders ask you to support this cause by making donations to your child’s class Project Compassion Box. Every year, countless people turn Lent into a demonstration of faith, love and generosity. Please join us and be part of this incredible community, who believe that there are simple actions we can all take to “be more” for our world. Please donate to Project Compassion, and put your compassion into action. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be contributing towards a more just and compassionate world.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you and may we all travel this Lenten journey together in God’s love and care.

Yours truly,

Hedy Carvalho