Religious Education

Dear Parents 

This week I have a few reminders for you. The Year 3's who are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation this term are expected to attend one of the parish masses over the weekend. Mass times are Saturday 6pm on the 18th February

or Sunday  the 19th of February at 9am or 11am.

Next week  the students from Year 1 to 6 will attend Ash Wednesday Mass on the 22nd February. This is the parish mass at 9:15 am. Parents are very welcome to attend this mass.

Ash Wednesday marks the  beginning of the Lenten season. Below I have included the Gospel from Matthew which is read next Wednesday. You might like to read it as a family. This Gospel helps us reflect on what we are called to do as Christian followers. It challenges us to think about what changes we can make in our lives to become closer to God. I wonder what this might look like for you and your family.

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’

Have a lovely week

Bernadette Reed