RE News

Lent

As we begin the season of Lent, our school community is embracing this special time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. Lent invites us to pause and look inward, to consider how we can grow closer to God and how we can bring His love to others through our words and actions. Across the school, students are exploring the themes of Lent through scripture, class liturgies, and meaningful discussions about kindness, gratitude, and making thoughtful choices.

A key part of our Lenten journey each year is our participation in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This initiative encourages us to think beyond ourselves and to support communities both here in Australia and around the world who face poverty, hardship, or injustice. Through the inspiring stories shared by Caritas, students are learning how small acts of generosity can create real and lasting change.

Throughout the coming weeks, classes will take part in activities that highlight the importance of compassion and service. Families are invited to join us by supporting Project Compassion at home, whether through donations, conversations about fairness and empathy, or simple acts of kindness that reflect the spirit of Lent.

Together, we hope this season will be a time of growth for our students, helping them understand that even the smallest actions, offered with love, can make a big difference.

Shrove Tuesday

A heartfelt thank you to Ann Woodhouse for her wonderful organisation of our Shrove Tuesday celebrations. Her care and dedication helped create a joyful and meaningful start to our Lenten journey. We are also deeply grateful to the students who led us in our prayer liturgy. Their thoughtful preparation and reverent leadership invited our whole community into a moment of reflection. 

Finally, thank you to our families for their generous donations. Your support continues to strengthen the spirit of community that makes these occasions so special.

Ash Wednesday

Thank you to our Years 3-4 students for leading our thoughtful Ash Wednesday Prayers of the Faithful, and to our K–2 students for their beautiful liturgy. Both celebrations created a meaningful start to Lent for our school community. We are also grateful to the parents and families who were able to join us, your presence and support always enrich these moments of faith and reflection.

Reconciliation

A friendly reminder that our Parent Information Night for Reconciliation will be held on 25 February at 6pm. We understand that organising child care can be difficult, and we truly appreciate the effort it takes to attend. This session is designed just for parents and will share important information and guidance about the Reconciliation process. Thank you for your support, we look forward to seeing you there.

Applications for the sacrament can be completed via the parish website from Thursday, 11 February to Friday, 20 February:

www.stpatssutherland.org.au/enrolments

If your child is baptised Catholic and in Year 3 or above, they are eligible to enroll for this Sacrament.

As part of the Reconciliation programme, participants are required to attend four Masses before 18 March. Mass cards are now available at the back of the church and must be signed by a priest after each Mass attended. Please note that this is in addition to the preparation sessions outlined below:

Wednesday, 25 February @6.00pm - Parent Information Night 

Wednesday, 04 March @6.00pm  - Preparation session 1

Wednesday, 11 March @6.00pm - Preparation session 2

Wednesday, 18 March @6.00pm - Preparation session 3

Sacramental programmes are officially organised by the parish with support from the school, so we would appreciate it If you could direct any questions or queries you have to the parish office. Their details are as follows:

admin@stpatssutherland.org.au

(02) 9524 0590

Tuesday to Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm

Liturgical Calendar Term 1 2025