Catholic Identity

 Catholic Identity Reflection

 Religious Education Leader - Elizabeth Holligan

On Wednesday we enter into the season of Lent, a time during which we as a Church make our pilgrimage to the cross and beyond. We read about the trials of the wilderness, the heart-rendering breakthrough of Calvary and into the expansive Easter hope that motivates and animates all we do. The Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday completes the Lenten season and is the high point of the Catholic Liturgical Year. 

Pope Francis in his message for Lent 2024 writes, ‘Lent is the season of grace in which the desert can become once more – in the words of the prophet Hosea – the place of our first love (cf. Hos 2:16-17). God shapes his people, he enables us to leave our slavery behind and experience a Passover from death to life. Like a bridegroom, the Lord draws us once more to himself, whispering words of love to our hearts.’ 

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2024.

Our theme for this year is ‘Behold I make all things new’ (Rev.21:5). Through God’s words of love in our hearts He’s getting rid of the imperfections and making things even better. God’s work of renewal and redemption continues through all time. May we in our Lenten reflections and actions work to bring God’s love into the hearts of all around us and may our hands be God’s hands in making all things new.

Opening School Mass

On Tuesday Fr Ruel Desamparado RCJ and Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ, led us in the celebration of Mass and assembly marking the start of our school year. Our students and staff were joined by members of the wider St Anne’s community and members of St Mel’s Parish at Christ the King Church. 

A joyous occasion where students and staff participated as lectors, general intercessions, Altar Servers, gift bearers, AV assistance and, as has become a tradition, with our Year 1and 2 students leading us all in song. Our College Captains acted as the MC’s for the occasion, their first official public event this year. As we looked around the Church, the growth of the school was obvious. 2024 is our first year with year 12 students so we now have all year levels from Foundation to Year 12 with the exception of Year 6. There were no spare seats. A wonderful start to an amazing and blessed year. 

Ash Wednesday Lent and Project Compassion across the St Anne’s College 

Ash Wednesday, this Wednesday, students and staff will have the opportunity to receive blessed Ashes during Liturgies in their mini school. 

St Anne’s College will be focusing fundraising this Lent for Caritas and Project Compassion. We ask for your continued support and thank you for your generosity. Project Compassion boxes will be distributed to pastoral groups. Any spare coins at home are very welcome donations and can be placed in these boxes. 

As part of our Social Justice program students across the school will be running other fundraising activities for Caritas as well such as the Zooper Dooper sales. For families who would like receipts for donations made or would like to make regular donations to Caritas please use the following link. Caritas Online Donations Please give generously to help vulnerable communities overcome the challenges of poverty.

Please take note of the Sacramental  Program dates that we will be supporting at St Anne's College below.