Education in Faith

Reconciliation

Congratulations to our students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week! What beautiful reverence and prayerfulness you brought to these services. 

Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday 14 February. This also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. All donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia to work with communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

The theme of Project Compassion for 2024 is ‘For all future generations’ and reminds us that the good we do today will extend and affect generations to come. It encourages us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long term solutions to global issues. 

The Grade 6 Social Justice Leaders and Wellbeing Leaders have taken the lead in promoting this within our school, and we thank them for their work so far.

You can donate via the donation boxes that are located in each classroom, or online via the Caritas Australia website. 

Fifth Week of Lent (week beginning Monday 18 March)

The work of Caritas Australia is only possible with the dedication, passion and tenacity of our local partners who implement the programs. They are the heroes on the ground, working tirelessly behind-the-scenes every day to create a better future for their communities. 

Caritas Australia partners with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) to support communities living in urban slums in the Philippines. FCJ runs a number of programs that include house renovating, food processing, basic literacy skills, urban gardening, upcycling and income generating activities. They also have a clinic visited weekly by a doctor and community nurse.  

Caritas Australia partners with Caritas Samoa to assist communities to have increased access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene to ensure human health and wellbeing by providing water tanks and sanitation facilities.

Caritas Australia partners with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi through the A+ program. Since 2016, the A+ program has helped 7,397 families across Malawi improve their food security, access to basic water and sanitation, boost women’s income generation and strengthen child protection.   

Holy Week (week beginning Monday 25 March)

This year, we shared with you the story of three inspiring women from across the globe, who overcame challenges to complete their education, access water and find secure employment. With the support of compassionate people like you, they are now forging a path to a better future for their families and their communities. 

Ronita from the Philippines has now graduated high school and secured a job at a call centre. This job was only possible because of a certificate she gained from completing her studies.  

Leaia and her family now have a water tank at their home in Samoa. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.

Memory completed her vocational training course in carpentry and joinery. After completing a work contract at one of the largest electrical companies in Malawi, Memory now plans to return to her village and provide carpentry services to people in her community. 

It’s through the generosity of people like you that we can continue to support people like Ronita, Leaia and Memory. 

Holy Week

Holy Week will begin on Sunday 25 March. This week includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It marks a special time in our church leading up to the resurrection of Jesus.

At OLA, we will participate in a whole school prayer service next Thursday 28 March at 9am in Brigid Hall.

Palm Sunday

On this day, we recount the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey. Many people placed palms and cloaks on the ground to pave his way. Palm Sunday has a bitter-sweet tone. On the one hand the story is upbeat with the crowd joyfully proclaiming Christ as the long promised Messiah, yet by the end of the week, Jesus is crucified.

Holy Thursday

On this day, we recount how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples before the Last Supper. At the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, asking them to think of Him. He knew he was about to be betrayed and condemned to death. 

Good Friday

Good Friday marks the day God’s Son, Jesus, was crucified.  It was on this day that Jesus was beaten and tortured because he claimed to be the son of God.  A crown of thorns was thrust upon his head. Then, he was forced to carry his own cross to the on top of a hill, where he was nailed to the cross.

Holy Saturday

This is the day in between Good Friday and Easter. This day marks Jesus being placed in the tomb. 

Easter Sunday

This day is all about the resurrection of Jesus. We celebrate Easter to remember the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us in order to save us. Easter Sunday helps us to remember that Jesus came back from the dead. Although he is not physically among us, He is still present in our hearts.It is because Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday that Christians call Sunday, “The Day of the Lord” and is the day of the week dedicated to worship.

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader