Religious Education

Faith Life Inquiry

The Liturgical Season of Lent has arrived and SoGS celebrated a beautiful Parish and School Ash Wednesday Mass to commence this event. Once again, our school value of Belonging was lived out in the celebration of this Mass. The visual reminder of ashes on our foreheads unites us with the Universal Catholic church past, present and future and the  presence of the Parish family enabled our whole school to feel the comforting sense of belonging during this Mass. You may like to reflect on our reflection hymn: “You Say,” by Lauren Daigle and remember how loved you are!

To coincide with Lent, we are entering into the beautiful season of Autumn where the weather turns cooler and the trees change colour to remind us of this period of inner reflection and our intention to return to our hearts and remember the mysteries of our faith with an even deeper love for self, others, the world and God. I went on a bit of a personal Inquiry as I wondered about the origins of this Liturgical Season and I came across this article you may like to read as well if you like history!

A Short Version of the Long History of Lent - Groundwork Bible Study.

One of things we are focussing on as a school community this year is using the, Three Worlds of Text model, to lead us into a deeper understanding of Scripture. 

About the Three Worlds of the Text

The ‘Three Worlds of the Text’ is an approach to studying and understanding scripture that recognises scripture as more than simply words on a page. In order to interpret the words on the page we need to know something about where the scripture text has come from, what the words meant in their original context and how the text is used and interpreted in today’s world.

• Examining the world BEHIND the text provides context about culture and history (Historical-Cultural criticism)
• The world OF the text provides context about the genre of the writing (Narrative criticism)
• The world IN FRONT OF the text provides context about interpretation over time and use of the text within religious communities.       

Throughout the year we would like to extend an invitation to our parents and families to learn more about this model through our Sacrament Parent nights and also through the newsletter. 

As is the tradition during Lent, we focus on the three pillars of prayer- spending more time talking to God; fasting- making small sacrifices that unite us to Jesus’ sacrifice in a small way; and almsgiving- offering support to those in need either financially or by being there for others. 

Caritas Lenten Appeal 2023:  TAPITAS Water for Life

As a school community we will be taking part in the Caritas Project Compassion Lenten Appeal. This is one tangible way we can help others in need. This Year’s SOGS Caritas focus will be water and we will be taking part in the Tapitas activity designed by Caritas. Each student will be asked to bring one gold coin donation, if possible, to add to the class water tap display. When the class reaches five dollars a water droplet will be added to the wall! 

Caithleen Malone

Faith Life Inquiry Leader

A Prayer for Lent Week One

The Fast Life

Fast from judging others;

Feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from fear of illness;

Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute;

Feast on speech that purifies.

Fast from discontent;

Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;

Feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism;

Feast on hope.

Fast from negatives;

Feast on encouragement.

Fast from bitterness;

Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern;

Feast on compassion.

Fast from suspicion;

Feast on truth.

Fast from gossip;

Feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm;

Feast on prayer that sustains.

Fast from anxiety;

Feast on faith.

- Author Unknown