Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. On Wednesday 5th March, we

will receive the signing of the cross in ashes on our foreheads, to demonstrate the commitment that we are about to undertake during this Lenten season. This action contains rich symbolism, reminding us to turn back to God as a sign of repentance and as followers of Jesus Christ, carrying our crosses too.

As the first day of Lent awakens us to Jesus’ entry into the desert, we begin our season of preparing our hearts for Easter, through prayer, fasting and giving to the poor. Lent is an opportunity for us to slow down and focus on our relationship with God. It is a time to make small sacrifices and engage in acts of charity, to become aware of our weaknesses and the needs of others.

We invite you to join us for our Mass and prayer service on Ash Wednesday (March 5th):

Primary - Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:15 am (Years 3-6)
Infants - Ash Wednesday prayer service in the church at 12pm (K-2)

Loving God,

I commit this coming season of Lent to you and ask you to show me what I need to turn away from and what I need to turn towards.

Shine your loving light in those dark parts of my heart, and bring new life, new hope and new possibilities. Help me to walk more closely with Jesus, to know that I am deeply loved and to share His love with others.

Amen.

Project Compassion

The annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal commences on Ash Wednesday, continuing throughout the duration of Lent. The appeal works with local communities, worldwide, to end poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity in each and every person. Throughout the period of Lent, we are encouraging your children to actively participate in Project Compassion at school to make a significant impact on the lives of those less fortunate than we are. Through fundraisers such as Jersey Day (Friday 21st March) and Project Compassion donation boxes in each classroom, students at St Francis Xavier are encouraged to reflect, sacrifice and give. By fundraising, we will help those living in poverty by providing the resources and support they need to build a better future.

What can you do as a parent?

During this Lenten season, we are reaching out to you too, our parent community, to get actively involved with Project Compassion. As your children are actively participating in Project Compassion, we would like to invite parents to jump on board too!

A Project Compassion box will be in the school office foyer for you to add any spare coins or change that you would like to donate and give to those less fortunate. A little goes a long way.

As Easter approaches, we invite you to get involved by taking part in Give It Up for Lent—whether you forgo your daily coffee or indulge in a little less screen time during Lent, your sacrifice can contribute to brighter futures for all generations.

Put your compassion into action this Lent through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. Let us make this season of giving truly special.

All Project Compassion boxes will be collected throughout Holy Week.

International Women’s Day - Ladies evening 6th March

International Women’s Day officially takes place on the 8th of March and has been for more than 100 years. This annual day celebrates the achievements of women and recognises the strength, resilience, faith and love they bring to our families and communities. As a St Francis Xavier community, we reflect and celebrate the gift of women, those who are family members, friends, teachers, athletes, nurses, inspirational figures and in particular, women in Scripture who have shaped our past, present and future.

In the words of Pope Francis… “On International Women's Day, I think of all women: I thank them for their commitment to building a humane society, to grasp reality with a creative eye and tender heart. A special blessing for all the women and a round of applause for them all. They deserve it.”

On Thursday, March 6, we are inviting all women to attend our International Women’s Day ladies evening. This event is to celebrate YOU—strong, empowered women in our St Francis Xavier community—while fostering friendships, making meaningful connections, and welcoming both familiar and new faces. You are invited to share this special evening with the important women in your life—your mum, sister, cousin, or friend.

We will be having a guest speaker, who will share the story of a powerful woman, St Angela Merici, a trailblazer of faith and education, a woman before her time. She is a strong part of our Ursuline Charism, who supported women in their faith and commitment to Christ. Our ladies' dinner party is also an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across generations, in honour of International Women’s Day.

Please find a formal invitation below. If you would like to attend, please RSVP through the following link: https://forms.gle/5PXe7CK2qQRuEsxi9

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a Lenten devotion that offers witness to Jesus’ Passion and Death. At each station, we use our senses and imagination to reflect prayerfully upon Jesus’ suffering, walking on a pilgrimage with Him through a series of visual reflections.

To follow Jesus as he makes the way to His death is disturbing; this is not a comfortable prayer. However, by remembering the Stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus and taking up our crosses as Jesus calls us to do, we become more willing to be patient, to love and to sacrifice. We become more like the people God created us to be when we remember Christ’s sacrifice.

Each grade (Years 3-6) will take part in praying the Stations of the Cross in the church. Additionally, K-2 students will have an opportunity to visit the Church and observe the Stations of the Cross.

Below are the dates:

Stage 2 - Friday 28th March 12pm

Stage 3 - Friday 4th April 12pm

Parents are welcome to join us in the church for the Stations of the Cross.

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