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Ash Wednesday

Yesterday we began the season of Lent with our Ashes provided by Father Richard

As we move into season of Lent, I write to all of you to invite you to engage in our Lenten Practices of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. 

Each fortnight will include a Lenten calendar that will act as a guide through the Lenten season from Ash Wednesday on February 18th until Easter Sunday on April 5th, by providing:

• Daily Scripture Readings
• Reflections
• Family Actions – things to practice

ASH WEDNESDAY – FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Reading: Matthew 6:1‑6, 16‑18

Reflection: “When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you … When you pray, go to your inner room … When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” 

Family Action: Receive ashes and fast. Choose your Lenten practices: What will you fast from? What prayer will you add? How will you serve?

Thursday, February 19

Readings: Deuteronomy 30:15‑20 / Luke 9:22‑25 

Reflection: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find salvation.” 

Family Action: Let go of one comfort or convenience today.

Friday, February 20

Readings: Isaiah 58:1‑9 / Matthew 9:14‑15 

Reflection: “When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast.” 

Action: Abstain from meat during this day.

Saturday, February 21

Readings: Isaiah 58:1‑9 / Matthew 9:14‑15 

Reflection: “I have not come to call the just but sinners to repentance.” 

Family Action: Recite three Hail Mary's

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT – FEBRUARY 22

Reading: Matthew 4:1‑11 

Reflection: Jesus fasts 40 days in the desert and resists temptation through Scripture and trust in God. 

Family Action: Discuss; What are your greatest temptations? How can Scripture and prayer help you overcome them?

Project Compassion 

The annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal commences on Ash Wednesday, continuing throughout the duration of Lent. The appeal works with local communities, worldwide, to end poverty, promote justice and uphold the dignity in each and every person. Throughout the period of Lent, we are encouraging your children to actively participate in Project Compassion at school to make a significant impact on the lives of those less fortunate than we are. Through fundraisers such as Harmony Day (Friday 20th March) and Project Compassion donation boxes in each classroom, students at St Francis Xavier are encouraged to reflect, sacrifice and give. By fundraising, we will help those living in poverty by providing the resources and support they need to build a better future. Below is a notice about Project Compassion from Caritas Australia that I would like to share with our wonderful community.

This Lent, our school community is invited to be a part of something incredible. Once again, we are called to stand hand in hand with thousands of others across the country and Unite Against Poverty by supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.

Last year, St Francis Xavier was a part of a nationwide movement that raised over $10 million to bring opportunity and change to vulnerable communities across the world. This year, with your support, we hope to have an even greater impact.

Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes or by scanning the QR code to donate online.

You can also donate: Online at: projectcompassion.org.au By phone at: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

What can you do as a parent?

During this Lenten season, we are reaching out to you too, our parent community, to get actively involved with Project Compassion. As your children are actively participating in Project Compassion, we would like to invite parents to jump on board too! 

A Project Compassion box will be in the school office foyer for you to add any spare coins or change that you would like to donate and give to those less fortunate. A little goes a long way.

As Easter approaches, we invite you to get involved by taking part in Give It Up for Lent—whether you forgo your daily coffee or indulge in a little less screen time during Lent, your sacrifice can contribute to brighter futures for all generations.

Put your compassion into action this Lent through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. Let us make this season of giving truly special.

All Project Compassion boxes will be collected throughout Holy Week.

Stations of the Cross 

The Stations of the Cross is a Lenten devotion that offers witness to Jesus’ Passion and Death. At each station, we use our senses and imagination to reflect prayerfully upon Jesus’ suffering, walking on a pilgrimage with Him through a series of visual reflections. 

To follow Jesus as he makes the way to His death is disturbing; this is not a comfortable prayer. However, by remembering the Stations of the Cross, walking with Jesus and taking up our crosses as Jesus calls us to do, we become more willing to be patient, to love and to sacrifice. We become more like the people God created us to be when we remember Christ’s sacrifice.

Each grade (Years 3-6) will take part in praying the Stations of the Cross in the church. Additionally, K-2 students will have an opportunity to visit the Church and observe the Stations of the Cross. 

Below are the dates:

Stage 3 - Friday 13th March at 12pm 

Stage 2 - Friday 20th March at 12pm 

Parents are welcome to join us in the church for the Stations of the Cross on either of these days. 

God Bless,

Nick Criniti