Religious Dimension
Shrove Tuesday
A very big thank-you to our parents who assisted with cooking the students pancakes yesterday.
Ash Wednesday at St Joseph’s
Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday, the first day of one of the most important seasons in the Church’s liturgical year - Lent.
As we explained to the children today, Lent is a time when we try to get closer to God. The children were encouraged to think of things they could do to achieve this eg. have conversations with God, do good deeds and give to Project Compassion. As adults we understand these acts to be FASTING, PRAYER and ALMS GIVING.
FASTING: Fasting is an ancient action linked to Lent and is considered a sacred act. The goal of fasting is connected to prayer. The pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God and prayer and fasting brings us to what Lent is about – a deeper conversion and relationship with God.
PRAYER: Prayer is our conversation with God. In these conversations we find the strength to fast, to develop a closer and more intimate relationship with God. This relationship makes us grateful for our many blessings and motivates us to give to those less fortunate.
ALMSGIVING: This is simply a response by us to God, a response that we have come to through prayer and fasting. It expresses our gratitude for all we have been given. We come to a realisation that we all make up the Body of Christ and with this realisation there is a responsibility. That responsibility is to all who are part of the Body of Christ. This means that our acts of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life.
PROJECT COMPASSION
This week, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Please give generously to Caritas Australia this Lenten season and help vulnerable people around the world, now and for all future generations. With your support, Caritas Australia has been able to assist communities around the world through income generation, water and sanitation, food security, education and disaster risk reduction programs. Project Compassion 2024 reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow. You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes and online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. |
Creator God,
You are our constant hope in the season of Lent. You call us to prayer, fasting and love of those most in need.
As a community of faith and courage, let our gifts to Project Compassion be symbols of hope and compassion for we are one human family.
Be with us as we journey with Jesus to bring “good news” to all creation and ready our hearts to work for the common good of all your people.
We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Jacqui Hayes