Religious Education News

Dear Families,

Welcome back to 2024 and a warm welcome to our new families joining us this year.

I’d like to begin by giving thanks for the opportunity to teach and learn at Holy Family.  May your goals and aspirations for this year yield to fruition and your children continue to grow emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally.

I feel excited to start a new year refreshed and look forward to the successes and challenges we encounter along the learning journey.

We start the year full steam ahead with Lent beginning on 14 February, Ash Wednesday (and Valentines Day!).  

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture and personal reflection; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting.

At Holy Family we will be practising the three pillars of lent in the following ways.

Almsgiving. On Shrove Tuesday, 13 February, we will hold a Pancake Decorating Competition. Students bring in a decorated pancake from home and Mrs David will choose a winner from each class. The winner will receive a voucher for Kids Cafe.

Prayer. Wander into the foyer and write a prayer on the water wall. Parents and students donate $2 for each water droplet. You can write your name, and even add a prayer if you choose, before adding your droplet to the display wall.

Fasting.  Give it up for Lent.  There are a vast number of options to practise fasting from during lent.  Think of one thing you could do for 40 days to make the world a better place.  

GIVE IT UP FOR LENT

THE PRIMARY PILLARS OF LENT ARE PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING.

Saying no to junk food, single-use plastic or binge-watching TV… there are many options that are not only good for you, but also good for the planet.

In the meantime, enjoy the excitement of settling into a new school year, catching up with old friends and making new friends along the way.  

Vicky Pejic 

Religious Education Leader