Catholic Identity
Lent: A Time of Renewal
Next Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal as we prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days, reminding us of Jesus’ time in the desert, where He fasted and prayed. During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer.
- Fasting: More than just giving up food, fasting is about making space for God. This could mean reducing screen time, cutting back on unnecessary spending, or letting go of habits that distract from faith.
- Almsgiving: Lent is a time to be generous and serve others. You might donate to a charity, support a parish initiative, or simply offer time to someone in need. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
- Prayer: Deepen your connection with Jesus by setting aside time for prayer each day. This could include reading Scripture, attending Mass, praying the Rosary, or keeping a gratitude journal focused on God’s blessings.
Lenten Events at St. Kilian’s
To support our students and families during Lent, we invite you to join us for the following events:
🚶♂️ CARITAS K’s Fundraiser – A whole-school initiative to walk in solidarity with those in need, raising funds for CARITAS Australia.
🙏 Facebook Weekly Prayer – Join us online for a short evening Lenten prayer, bringing our community together in faith.
As we journey through Lent, may these practices and events help us grow in faith and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Gospel Reflection
3rd Sunday in Lent
Summary
In this passage, Jesus talks about two events where people suffered, reminding us that bad things don't happen because someone is more sinful than others. He then tells a parable about a fig tree that isn't growing fruit. The owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener asks for more time to care for it, hoping it will grow. This teaches us about God's patience and mercy—He gives us time to grow and change, just like the gardener gives the tree another chance.
Reflection
Sometimes, we might feel like we aren’t doing enough or making good choices. But Jesus reminds us that God is patient with us. He doesn’t give up on us. He helps us to grow, just like the gardener with the fig tree. We should take this time to try our best, change for the better, and make good choices that show kindness and love to others.
- What are some areas in your life where you feel you need to grow or improve?
- How can you show patience and kindness to others, just as God shows patience with you?
- What is one small action you can take this week to grow in faith, kindness, or love?
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9
Some people arrived and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices. At this he said to them, ‘Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’
He told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?” “Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”’
Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for always giving me chances to grow. Help me to learn from my mistakes and try my best each day. Like the fig tree, I want to grow in kindness, love, and patience. Show me how to use my time wisely and be a good person to those around me. Amen.
Caritas Ks
Walking for Compassion
On Friday March 28, our school community will take part in Caritas Ks, a special fundraising event for Project Compassion. This initiative encourages us to walk in solidarity with those around the world who travel long distances daily for essential needs like food, water, and education.
Students will be walking laps of Lake Weeroona, reflecting on the journeys many people must take every day while raising funds to support Caritas Australia’s life-changing programs.
How can you support?
💙 Sponsor a student – Donations can be made through student fundraising booklets, via the QR code, or on our school’s fundraising website.
🚶 Encourage and cheer on our walkers – Every step helps raise awareness!
Your support will help transform lives and bring hope to communities in need. Let’s walk together for a better world!
You can donate here: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-kilians-school-bendigo
