What is Lent?

Lent is a special time in the Church where we prepare our hearts for Easter. It is a season of reflection, prayer, and growth, where we are invited to pause, think about our choices, and try to become more like Jesus in the way we live, love, and treat others.

Traditionally, Lent focuses on three key practices: prayer, fasting, and giving to others. These help us to grow in faith, self-control, and kindness.

How Families Can Support at Home

Families play a powerful role in helping children understand and live out Lent in simple, meaningful ways. You might:

Spend a few quiet moments together in prayer
Encourage small acts of kindness at home or in the community
Talk about making good choices, even when it’s hard
Choose something small to give up or do differently (e.g. less screen time, more helping)
Support Project Compassion by discussing how we can help others in need

Lent is not about being perfect — it’s about trying our best, growing together, and keeping our hearts open to God and others.

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten campaign, inviting us to live out our faith by supporting people in need, both in Australia and around the world. Each year, it shares real stories of individuals and communities who are working to overcome challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education, and limited healthcare.

Through Project Compassion, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference. Funds raised go towards sustainable, long-term solutions — helping communities to become stronger, more independent, and full of hope.

As a school community, we are invited to take part through prayer, awareness, and giving, putting our faith into action and standing in solidarity with others.

Find out more about Project Compassion here: Project Compassion 2026 School Films on Vimeo

This week we learn about Monoranjon from Bangladesh. Monoranjon lives in a village in Bangladesh close to the sea, where floods and storms often damage his crops and his home. With support from Project Compassion, he learnt climate-resilient farming techniques and new ways to diversify his income, helping his family survive and build a safer, more sustainable future.

You can watch his story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSBcJ03Poo&pp=ygUScHJvamVjdCBjb21wYXNzaW9u

Discussion

What is Monoranjon’s job?
What is making farming difficult for Monoranjon?
How did Caritas Australia and Caritas Bangladesh help?
Why did Monoranjon learn to farm fish, prawns and crabs?
What new skills did Monoranjon learn?
How will you share Monoranjon’s story with others?

Gospel Reflection

2nd Sunday of Lent

Summary

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. While they are there, He is transformed and shines with God’s glory. Moses and Elijah appear, and God’s voice says, “This is my Son… listen to Him.” The disciples are afraid, but Jesus comforts them and tells them not to be afraid.

Scripture – Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became dazzling white.

Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him. Peter said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”

The disciples fell face down, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Don’t be afraid.”

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Reflection

This Gospel reminds us that even Jesus’ closest friends needed time to stop, be still, and really see who He is.

Family life can be busy—school, work, sport, routines—and it can feel like there’s always something happening. In the middle of all that, God’s message is simple: “Listen to Jesus.”

Listening to Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated. It can happen in small, everyday moments:

taking a quiet minute before bed
saying a simple prayer together
noticing when someone needs kindness
choosing patience instead of frustration

The disciples were scared and didn’t understand everything—but Jesus reassured them: “Don’t be afraid.”

That’s a message for our families too. Even when life feels full or uncertain, Jesus is with us—guiding us, calming us, and helping us to love one another.

When do I find it hardest to make good choices? (e.g. when I’m tired, frustrated, left out)
What are some “easy choices” I’m tempted to make that aren’t the best ones?
What helps me stay strong and make the right choice?
Who or what helps me stay connected to God?
What is one small choice I can make today that reflects who I want to be?

Prayer

Loving God,

You know that sometimes life feels hard. You know that we get tired, frustrated, and tempted to choose what is easy instead of what is right.

Help us to be like Jesus. Give us strength when we feel weak. Give us courage when we feel unsure. And remind us that we are never alone.

Help us to make choices that show love, kindness, and faith. Help us to trust You, even when things are difficult.

As we begin this Lenten journey, guide us to grow, to change, and to become the people You call us to be.

Amen.

Parents and Friends

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