Education in Faith News

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Ash Wednesday & Lent

This coming Wednesday, Year 1 to 6 students will gather together to celebrate Ash Wednesday in our Church at 12pm. This day is marked by the distribution of ashes made from the burning of palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. 

For children, Lent is a time when we encourage them to think of others before themselves. To spend time praying and reflecting, to be of greater service to others in their community and beyond.

During this season of Lent, we are invited to reflect deeply on our lives—focusing on self-improvement and growth. It’s a time for us to consider how we can become better versions of ourselves, whether through acts of kindness, personal discipline, or deepening our spiritual connection. Lent also encourages us to shift our focus outward, thinking about the well-being of others and finding ways to help, support, and show compassion. It’s a season that calls us to transform both inwardly and outwardly, fostering love, empathy, and change in ourselves and in our communities. One way of doing this is to support Caritas Australia whose theme in 2025 is Unite Against Poverty. 

As in previous years, St John's has made a commitment on behalf of all the students to support Project Compassion this Lent. A promise will be made at the Ash Wednesday Mass to share what we have and to act for justice and peace in all that we do. Each class will recieve a class collection box and all families will receive a small collection box to keep to contribute to throughout Lent. These can be returned to the Church after Easter.  Alternatively, donations can be made online at caritas.org.au or using the QR code:

Sacrament Dates

First Eucharist   

Commitment Masses - held during parish weekend masses Saturday 15 March 6:00pm or Sunday 16 March 8:30am or 10:30am

Family Faith Night - Wednesday 23 April at 6:30pm

First Eucharist Sacrament - 4P Saturday 17 May at 1:00pm 

                                                     4MT Saturday 17 May at 3:00pm

Confirmation  

Presentation Masses - held during parish weekend masses 6:00pm Saturday 3 May or Sunday 4 May 8:30am or 10:30am

Family Faith Night - Wednesday 28 May at 6:30pm

Confirmation Sacrament - Friday 13 June 6:00pm, St Patrick's Cathedral

First Reconciliation 

Thursday 11 September time 7pm