Religious Education
ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE JOURNEY OF LENT
The sacred season of Lent began yesterday with Ash Wednesday. As a whole school we attended the 9.15am Parish Mass where we received the mark of the cross on our foreheads and took up the invitation into a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving—a time to pause, reflect and return our hearts to God. The ashes placed on our foreheads remind us that we belong to God and that we are called to turn again to the Gospel with humility and hope.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gently reminds us of the heart of Lenten living. He teaches us to pray, to give and to fast not for attention or praise, but with quiet sincerity and love for God. He calls us to store up treasures in heaven through acts of compassion, mercy and justice. Matthew shows us a Jesus who walks closely with people—especially those who are struggling, excluded or in need. He is Emmanuel, God with us, present in every moment of our lives and especially present in those on the margins.
Our school theme for this year, Christ Beside Us – Walking in the Footsteps of St Patrick, calls us to journey together in faith and action. St Patrick’s life reminds us that God walks beside us wherever we go and calls us to bring hope, kindness and courage to others. Like St Patrick, we are encouraged to notice Christ beside us in our daily lives and to be Christ for one another—through small acts of compassion, forgiveness and service.
Lent also invites us to live out Catholic Social Teaching by recognising the dignity of every person and working for justice and the common good. This season encourages us to see the face of Christ—the Emmanuel—in those who are marginalized or experiencing hardship. One important way we do this as a school community is through Project Compassion. Each classroom has its own donation box and students learn about Caritas Australia and their mission to help vulnerable communities break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable futures.
Through our prayers, sacrifices and generosity, we stand in solidarity with people around the world who face poverty and injustice. In giving to Project Compassion, we respond to Jesus’ call in Matthew’s Gospel: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Throughout this Lenten season, may we walk gently with one another, open our hearts to God’s presence and recognise Christ beside us—especially in those who need love, friendship and understanding. As we walk in the footsteps of St Patrick, may we grow in faith and compassion, trusting that Emmanuel is always with us and calling us to be a sign of hope in our world.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader