Religious Education News

Carmela D'Amato 

Lent

Lent is a period of 40 days and this number has significance and symbolism in biblical terms and the liturgical year. The Hebrews spent 40 days in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land; Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the desert before he began his public life. In our Church year there are 40 days between Christmas and the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, where the Church celebrates the blessing of the candles; a time of celebrating the light of Christ. There are 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter and 40 days between the feasts of Easter and the Ascension.

These periods are dedicated 'moments' in time for preparation and reflection, where the faithful work towards the next stage of their development. They signify transition.

The season of Lent requires of us a specific and focused practice to turn away from our attachments and focus more fully on God. We can do this by following the three practices of the Christian life: fasting, almsgiving and prayer. By following these disciplines we become simpler in our approach to living and are able to let go and de-clutter our minds and souls.

FASTING:

Self-denial – for example, not eating meat; not eating sweets or dessert; giving up entertainment to spend time with the family;

Days of fasting in Lent: Ash Wednesday (no meat) and Good Friday (no meat)

ALMSGIVING:

The spiritual practice of almsgiving involves giving away, and for it to be meaningful it is about truly letting go, giving away those things in our lives that possess us and distract us from living a God-centred life.  Sometimes, the biggest thing we can give away is our selfishness by helping others – for example, special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely or overburdened.  We can also give generously to project compassion.

PRAYER

Fasting and almsgiving help to refresh and reawaken our souls. These practices open us up and pave the way for some serious Lenten prayer!

There are many ways to pray and during Lent making prayer a priority is an essential part of our daily life.

How will you prepare this LENT?

Whole School Welcome Mass

Attending weekend mass at St Fidelis' school is a great way to meet other families and parishioners within our St Fidelis' community. Throughout the year, students from St Fidelis' have the opportunity to invite their families to attend mass with them on a Sunday and we would like to invite all year levels to the first of these masses on  Sunday 4th March  at 11.00am.  

Students and families are also invited to take part by reading the prayers of the faithful, bringing up the gifts during mass or welcoming others at mass by handing out the bulletin.  The students will be bringing home a letter  where you can nominate how your family would like to help. 

Following Mass join us for a  'cuppa' out side the church.