Religious Education & Faith Life

2026 Project Compassion

Next week, the Catholic Church enters into a special season, Lent. Lent lasts for 40 days. It’s a time that as Catholics we prepare our hearts for Easter, which celebrates Jesus rising from the dead.

During Lent, Catholics try to grow closer to God by doing three main things:

Praying more

Fasting (giving something up or eating less)

Giving to others, especially people in need

It’s meant to be a time of reflection, sacrifice, and becoming more like Jesus.

At St Helena’s, we support Project Compassion during Lent. Next week, your children will each bring home a Project Compassion box where they can collect small change to donate to Caritas who help the less fortunate in different countries. Classes will also participate in a range of fundraising activities, allowing our children the opportunity to feel like they are the change they want to see in the world. 

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes remind us that our lives are a gift from God, to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus more closely. 

In preparation for Lent, we celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.  Traditionally, people used up rich foods like eggs, sugar, and butter before the fasting of Lent began. That’s why many people eat pancakes on this day.  The word “shrove” comes from an old word meaning “to confess your sins.” So it was also a day to get ready spiritually for Lent.