Lent: A Time of Renewal

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.

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

Jesus tells a story about a father who has two sons. The younger son asks for his share of money and leaves home. He wastes all his money and ends up very poor. When he decides to return home, hoping to work as a servant, his father runs to him and welcomes him back with open arms. The older brother is upset because he has always stayed and worked hard, but the father reminds him that celebrating his brother’s return is the right thing to do because he was lost and is now found.

Reflection

This story shows us how much God loves and forgives us. Even when we make mistakes or turn away from God, He is always ready to welcome us back with love. The father’s joy reminds us that God never gives up on us. The older brother helps us reflect on our own hearts — do we get jealous or angry when others are forgiven or celebrated? Jesus wants us to have hearts that forgive, just like God’s.

Ask yourself:

When have I needed forgiveness?
How do I feel when others are celebrated?
Can I be more like the forgiving father?

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-3,11-32

The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:

‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery.

‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father.

‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate.

‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property – he and his women – you kill the calf we had been fattening.”

‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”’

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving me no matter what. Help me to come back to You when I make mistakes. Teach me to forgive others like You forgive me. May I always choose love, kindness, and joy when people return to You.

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

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