Faith

Shrove Tuesday

The day before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday. Traditionally, fasting during Lent was taken very seriously. People went without meat, butter, eggs and cream. Shrove Tuesday became the last chance to have as much fun as they could. Pancakes were made from the butter, cream and eggs that were forbidden during the weeks of Lent. Students learned about and acknowledged this tradition by having a pancake on Tuesday. Thanks to your gold coin donations, we were able to kickstart our Project Compassion campaign by raising $228.40. Thank you for your generosity!

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lenten season - a time when Christians around the world pause to reflect on their living. The tradition speaks about prayer, fasting and acts of kindness. Fasting can take many forms: some fast from food as a spiritual practice, others make conscious choices about eating and drinking for health, in solidarity with those who are hungry, or as care for the planet.

The scripture that we heard on Ash Wednesday was from Matthew's Gospel. Here, Jesus warns against making a show of our prayer and fasting. He tells us that true change happens not in grand public gestures, but in the quiet, honest moments when we examine our lives and choose differently. The ancient practice of fasting has always been about more than giving something up. It's about making space, clearing away what clutters our lives so we can focus on what truly nourishes us. 

When we fast from food, we feast on solidarity with those who hunger.

When we fast from worry, we feast on trust.

When we fast from anger, we feast on understanding.

This is the work of Lent, not performed for others to see, but lived quietly, honestly, in the everyday choices that shape who we become. This week, staff participated in a reflection that explored this rhythm: releasing what diminishes us so we can embrace what brings life. 

A big thank you also to Fr Trevor Trotter for celebrating Mass with us. We look forward to having you celebrate Mass with us again.

Sacraments

Preparations for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are underway. If your child is in Year 3 and you would like them to receive this sacrament, please email me at sophie.mackinnon@motherteresa.catholic.edu.au. Further details about Eucharist and Confirmation will be available in the coming months.