Leadership Communication

Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent

This week we mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the sacred season of Lent in the Catholic Church. Ash Wednesday invites us into a time of prayer, reflection and renewal as we prepare our hearts for the great celebration of Easter.

On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes remind us that we belong to God and that we are called to turn our hearts back to Him. As the priest says, “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” we are reminded that Lent is a time to grow closer to Jesus.

Lent lasts for 40 days, echoing the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert in prayer and fasting. During this time, we are invited to reflect on our lives and consider how we can live more fully as followers of Christ.

How can we repent during Lent?

Repentance simply means turning back to God. It is not just about saying sorry — it is about making a real change in our hearts and actions. As families, we might consider:

🙏 Prayer

• Setting aside time each day to pray together.
• Reading a short passage from the Gospel.
• Attending Mass during Lent when possible.

🍞 Fasting

• Giving up something that distracts us from God (for example, sweets, social media, or extra screen time).
• Choosing simplicity and being mindful of those who have less.

❤️ Almsgiving

• Supporting a Lenten charity appeal such as Caritas Australia through Project Compassion.
• Performing acts of kindness at home, school and in our community.

• Helping someone who is lonely or in need.

   

Lent is a hopeful season. It reminds us that God’s mercy is always greater than our mistakes. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

May this Lenten season be a time of grace and renewal for all our families. ✝️

Kindest regards,

Jen Gulavin

Deputy Principal- Inclusive Education