Assistant Principal - Religious Identity & Mission 

Shrove Tuesday 

Shrove Tuesday occurred very early in the calendar this year. Our call out for donations of pancake shakers and maple syrup, through Facebook, went out Thursday night and by Friday lunchtime we had nearly 40 shakers and 20 bottles of maple syrup! We were overwhelmed by the community’s generosity, and we thank everyone who supported us by either sending in the pancake mixes and maple syrup, or by purchasing pancakes on the day. On Shrove Tuesday, we raised over $350.00. During Term 1 we fundraise to support Project Compassion, which brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise money for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. Our support can help change lives today, and for all future generations. Each week I will have another story of a life that has been changed by support provided by Caritas.  

This year, Project Compassion brings you the stories of three resilient women from three different corners of the world. They are facing vastly different challenges, but are all united by one dream: to create a better tomorrow for all future generations. 

Ronita is 22. She lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines.   

Ronita left school when she became pregnant as a teenager. This could have had a life-long impact on her ability to find work and provide for her family but, thankfully, she heard about the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Caritas Australia’s local partner in the Philippines.  

Through the FCJ, Ronita was able to re-enrol in her studies and continue learning in a safe and flexible environment – even with the arrival of her second child. 

After completing her ALS classes, Ronita went on to earn her Grade 12 Senior High School Diploma. With her new diploma, Ronita has now secured a job at a call centre and is looking to a brighter future for her whole family.   

“I have now graduated senior school and I am so proud of myself,” she said. “I feel hopeful for the future… Now it’s not impossible for me to achieve my dream… Thank you.”    

Lent 

Lent refers to the 40 weekdays (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Commencing on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday, Lent is characterized by fasting, prayer, and repentance as believers prepare for the celebration of Easter Sunday. This season of reflection and self-discipline involves practices such as abstaining from certain indulgences, fostering a deeper spiritual connection, helping those less fortunate than ourselves and commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

The primary purpose of Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. That’s not a feeling of shame but an awareness that sin separates us from God and what Christ endured to save us from sin, death, and the devil.  

Almighty and ever living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give. 

Amen