FAITH MATTERS

Beginning Year Mass - Friday, Feb, 14

A significant day on our calendar, was our school community coming together and celebrating the beginning of the new school year through the celebration of the Eucharist. It was a beautiful mass that also involved the commissioning of our 2025 student leaders and the presentation of their badges. Our school theme this year is “Mutual Respect”. The Mass explored this theme through scripture and music. Fr James gave our students insight as to how this theme can inform their daily lives both in and out of school. 

I sincerely thank everyone involved in the preparation and set-up of the mass and those who helped me during the service. A big thank you to Fr James for leading us in the celebration. 

JJAMM 2025 - Celebrating Josephite Student Leadership

I was fortunate enough to accompany Koby and Bella (two school captains) to Sydney for this leadership experience. This is my second time attending this experience and it continues to inspire me and the young leaders who attend. Being a Josephite school, our youth need to continue to learn about the Josephite Charism and how this can inform their leadership at school and in their lives. Both Koby and Bella represented our school well and we look forward their sharing what they have learned in their experience. 

LENT

Next Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the Catholic church. Simply explained, the season of Lent is a time to ‘reset’ - a chance to reflect, make better choices and focus on what matters. 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. On this day, all are invited to receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. This reminds them that:

• Life is short (“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”).
• There’s always a chance to change (“Repent and believe in the Gospel”).

It’s like acknowledging mistakes and deciding to move forward in a better way.

A short, prayer service for Ash Wednesday will occur during homeroom Wednesday morning. As mentioned, all students are invited to receive the ashes because this ritual is not sacramental. At all times, however, respect needs to be observed by being reverent and quiet during the service.

Preceding Ash Wednesday is Shrove (or Pancake) Tuesday! Pancakes will be cooked and served at school as students arrive on Tuesday morning.

Lent and the Jubilee of Hope (2025)

This year, Lent happens during a special time in the Catholic Church called the Jubilee Year of Hope, declared by Pope Francis. A Jubilee is like a big spiritual reset that happens every 25 years, inspired by a tradition from the Bible (Leviticus 25:8-13) where debts are forgiven, slaves are freed, and people get a fresh start.

Just like a Jubilee is about new beginnings, Lent gives all people a chance to:

• Let go of past mistakes.
• Break free from bad habits.
• Focus on hope and renewal.

In 2025, the Jubilee of Hope encourages everyone to be "Pilgrims of Hope", meaning they should live with faith, kindness, and a sense of purpose.

Jubilee Prayer of Hope

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. 

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. 

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. 

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. 

May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. 

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever. Amen

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Misson