RE News
Ash Wednesday and Lent
In celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, Fr Michael reminded us of the purpose of Lent- to prepare for Easter through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer is a continued focus in our classroom and at St Brigid’s we support Caritas and their Project Compassion appeal as part of almsgiving. (see below). Fr Michael explained that fasting is not just about giving up something (e.g. chocolate) but rather giving up actions which are not how Jesus would act, incorporating Pope Leo’s theme for Lent which is Listening and Fasting.
Project Compassion
First Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 23 Feb)
This Lent, our school community is supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, uniting in faith and action to make a lasting impact for vulnerable communities around the world. In our classrooms, we’ll be sharing four inspiring stories of resilience and strength, showing the kind of transformative change that we can play a part in achieving.
We will first be introduced to Sisilia, a young student from Tanzania, who often missed classes at school because she had to walk long distances to collect water every day. Thanks to Project Compassion and the support of schools just like ours, her community now has safe, clean water nearby – giving Sisilia more time to learn and chase her dreams of one day becoming a pilot.
We’ll also get to know Monoranjon from Bangladesh, who is using climate-smart farming to feed his family and build a safer, more sustainable future for his children. We’ll meet Manaini, a mother of six and a grandmother of two from remote Fiji, who is learning food processing skills to create new income opportunities. And we’ll shine a light on Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza, who have endured displacement, personal loss and danger, yet remain committed to providing life-saving support to those in need.
Watch Caritas Australia’s Introduction to Project Compassion film to be inspired by these stories and learn about the impact your support can have on vulnerable communities around the world.
Our school has the opportunity to be a part of a nationwide movement for change and to pave the way to a brighter future for people and families across the world. We can’t do it without you - will you stand with us?
