Catholic Identity
by Ebony Anderson
Religious Education Leader
2024 Sandhurst Theme
Welcome to our new school year, especially to our new families and staff.
This year’s theme for Sandhurst schools is “Behold, I make all things new.”
As we continue to be people full of grace, we are given the hope of transformation and renewal through God’s promise of making all things new. This theme reminds us of God’s promise of renewal. This scripture brings comfort and hope in a world often filled with chaos and uncertainty, resonating with God's continual invitation to refresh our lives and spirits.
Opening School Mass
Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to our Opening Mass for 2024. It was wonderful to see many students involved in the Mass, along with Fr Rene leading the way in his new role as Parish Priest. The Mass focussed on the strength of us as a Learning Community and the wonderful assets we each bring to this wonderful School Community.
Grade 6 Leaders with Fr Rene and Shania
Alter display
Morgan lighting our school candle
Students bringing items up to the alter
Principal's Address
Grade 6 Leaders with Fr Rene and Shania
Alter display
Morgan lighting our school candle
Students bringing items up to the alter
Principal's Address
Shrove Tuesday
Next Tuesday 13th February is Shrove Tuesday. This day comes from the custom of ringing the Shriving Bell to summon people to Church to be “shriven” that is to confess their sins at the beginning of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of lent.
At that time certain foods were given up for the duration of Lent. Those foods included egg, milk, meat and rich buttery dishes. So, on Shrove Tuesday they used up these foods. It is from this that the tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday began.
At St Joseph’s Primary School, we have a tradition where our community gathers together the morning of Shrove Tuesday to prepare pancake batter to cook pancakes for our community. We enjoy the pancakes and learn about the significance of the day in relation to our catholic traditions. We prepare ourselves for the beginning of lent, discussing what Ash Wednesday means, the significance and history of the ashes and the lead up to Holy Thursday.
During Lent the tradition has been to focus on 3 key aspects:
* Prayer
* Fasting – (Penance , Sacrifice)
* Almsgiving – (self giving)
The launching of Caritas Project Compassion fits with all of the above (if the children are encouraged to go without or serve to support their almsgiving)
Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of self-raising flour, sifted
½ cup of sugar
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
Milk to mix
Method
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl, using a whisk to ensure there are no lumps.
Heat a saucepan to medium heat and use a little butter to grease the pan
Pour batter into the pan
Once the batter has formed bubbles which have burst, flip pancakes over
Once both sides are golden remove pancakes from pan and serve with desired toppings
Ash Wednesday Mass
Next Wednesday 14th February is Ash Wednesday and as a school community we will be celebrating with Mass at our Church at 11:30am. Please feel free to join us.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Prayer cloths are changed from the green of Ordinary time to Purple of Lent.
What do the ashes mean?
During Ash Wednesday Mass ashes are placed on our foreheads in the shape of the cross. The ashes for Ash Wednesday normally are made from blessed palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The ashes are sprinkled with Holy Water and incensed before distribution.
Ashes are a symbol of penance – In the Early Church they wore sackcloth and ashes when they were performing public penance. Ashes are also a reminder that life passes away on earth.