Faith and Religion
"For we are are God's Masterpiece..." (Eph 2:10) .
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday Events
Last week was a full week in the Church's liturgical calendar.
On Shrove Tuesday the whole school enjoyed pancakes made by our Faith and Social Justice Team. They were delicious! Thanks to the team for flipping over 100 pancakes.
"Burning of the Palms" and "Burying of the Alleluia"
The following day on Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent for Christians. Lent is the 40 days of preparation for Easter. It is a time to think more deeply about how we can grow closer to God and grow in kindness and love for each other. We walked down to the grotto near the Church and Bill, one of the parishioners demonstrated how the old palms are burnt to make Ashes, The children were excited to see this in action. This was followed by a little ritual of "Burying the Alleluia" banner. The previous day some of the children made a large "Alleluia" banner. We all waved goodbye to the "Alleluia", it was then folded up, placed in a container and buried in the ground. This symbolises how we don't use this word during Lent as it is word that is often associated with the resurrection of Jesus and joy of Easter.
Ashes
On Friday, Fr Aurelio visited the school and we had a lovely time of prayer and reflection on the theme of Lent, this included the distribution of ashes on our foreheads. It is another reminder of our commitment to try to grow in love during this time.
Project Compassion
The Project Compassion theme for 2026 is "Unite Against Poverty". Announced by Caritas Australia, this Lenten appeal calls on schools, parishes, and individuals to come together to support marginalised communities through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
As part of Project Compassion we get to hear about stories like 13 year old Sisila living in a rural village in Tanzania where most people don’t have basic drinking water supply.
Sisila is a member of school water, sanitation, hygiene club and is helping to promote safe housing at schools and communities. Drinking water has to be collected from the river and canal, about 45-minutes’ walking distance, which she has to do a few times a day. Caritas supports communities like Sisilia's by providing easier water access and sanitation that allows people like Sisilia to have more time for education and study. One day Sisilia would like to be a pilot.
Each class at St Mary's has a money box for donations and children are encouraged to bring in small change to. Look out for other fundraising opportunities in the coning weeks.
Sacraments
This year we will be celebrating the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion (Eucharist). First Reconciliation is for Gr 3 students and First Holy Communion for Gr 4 students. Confirmation takes place every second year and will be offered again in 2027.
The above sacraments are offered to those children who have been baptised and want to continue in their faith journey.
However if your child is not baptised and is interested in the sacraments, you are welcome to speak with me in person, send me an email or contact the school or parish office.
julie.zaar@smcastlemaine.catholic.edu.au
