Catholic Identity  

Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) 🥞 

On Tuesday, our school community gathered to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the day that prepares us for the sacred season of Lent. The word “shrove” comes from the practice of being “shriven” seeking forgiveness and preparing our hearts before Lent begins. Traditionally, families would use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk and sugar before entering a season marked by prayer, fasting and simplicity. Pancakes have become a joyful symbol of this tradition.

Sharing pancakes together was not only a fun and delicious experience for our students, but also a meaningful way to begin turning our hearts toward the Lenten journey ahead.

We extend our sincere thanks to our generous parent helpers, Olivia Poynton, Elaine Hunt, Sami Clark, Jeni Sadler, Petrina Steward, Tatyana Adeykina, Aline Correa, Georgia Hollmann and Stef Brunetti, for giving their time to prepare and serve the pancakes. We are also incredibly grateful to the many families who donated ingredients and supplies. Your generosity reflects the strong sense of community and service that defines St Joseph’s.

Ash Wednesday – Beginning of Lent ✝️ 

On Wednesday, we gathered as a whole school and parish community to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent, a sacred time in the life of the Church as we prepare for the joy of Easter.

During the Mass, students reverently received ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. These ashes, made from the blessed palms of last year’s Palm Sunday, remind us of our human fragility and our need for God’s mercy. They are a visible sign of our commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the three pillars of Lent and our call to turn our hearts back to God.

We were incredibly proud of the reverence, respect and maturity shown by our students throughout the celebration. Coming together in prayer as a school and parish community was a powerful reminder that our Lenten journey is one we walk together, united in faith.

As part of this season, students will bring home home a Caritas Project Compassion box, encouraging families to live out the Gospel call to care for those most in need through acts of generosity and compassion.

Caritas

As we approach the season of Lent, our school is excited to join forces with Caritas Australia, an organisation committed to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice.

Throughout Lent, we aim to nurture values of compassion, generosity and service in our students. To support this cause, we are launching a fundraising campaign, and we invite you and your children to be part of this meaningful initiative.

Project Compassion boxes will also be distributed to families. Prep and Year 1 students will receive their boxes this week. Due to back order, the remainder of the school will receive theirs in the coming weeks.

To make this experience even more exciting, we’ve planned some friendly competition! Prizes will be awarded to the class with the longest Coin Line and the class that raises the most money. These incentives are designed to encourage participation and bring some fun to the process.

We truly appreciate your support in discussing this important initiative with your children and motivating them to take an active role. Together, we can make a real difference and embrace the spirit of giving this Lenten season.Thank you for your ongoing support.

May this sacred season of Lent be a time of grace and renewal for our entire St Joseph’s community. As we journey towards Easter, may we grow closer to Christ, deepen our faith, and reflect God’s love in all that we say and do.

Donnella DeVisser

Religious Education Leader