Prayer and Acknowledgement

A Lent from the Heart

Fast from worry... Feast on trust.

Fast from harsh words... Feast on kindness.

Fast from putting yourself first... Feast on generosity.

Fast from holding onto hurt... Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from judging others... Feast on compassion.

You may have noticed our new Lent display, "A Lent from the Heart." Last Friday, our whole school came together for a meditation and reflection on the idea of fasting during Lent.

Normally, fasting is about giving something up like chocolate or technology. This year, we encouraged students to think about fasting a little differently. Instead of just focusing on what we give up, we looked at fasting as a chance to turn away from things that might hold us back so we can focus on what brings us joy, kindness and connection.

We asked the students to think of their hearts like a room that can get cluttered with worry, unkind words, or the need to always be first. Lent, in this sense, is like a "garage sale of the heart." A time to clear out what’s not helpful and make space for positive change.

Some of the children's responses were

• Fast from being shy... Grow in confidence.
• Fast from worries... Grow in happy thoughts.
• Fast from ignoring my parents... Grow in listening skills.
• Fast from rushing... Grow in slowing down.

We’ve been so impressed with the thoughtfulness of our students as they explore what it means to "fast and feast" this Lent.

In addition to these reflections, each student added their fingerprint to a heart on the display. This simple act was a reminder that, while each person is unique, we’re all connected in this journey together

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St Joseph's acknowledges that we are learning on Taungurung land and we pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

While we participate in being lifelong learners, let us reflect upon the beautiful waterways of the Taungurung land and bring the calming flow of the water into our space and learning.