Catholic Identity
Shrove Tuesday
This week, the children enjoyed a pancake to recognise Shrove Tuesday. This is a time to reflect and prepare for the beginning of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter. Christians traditionally gave up certain luxuries. The name comes from "shriven" meaning to confess sins and be forgiven, which was a traditional practice on this day. In many countries, it is also called Pancake Day because pancakes were a way to use up eggs, butter and sugar before Lent began.
Ash Wednesday
Students participated in a liturgy in units to recognise Ash Wednesday. Students received the ashes to signify the beginning of Lent.
This Sunday's Gospel -
First Sunday of Lent Year A
Gospel
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus fasted for forty days and nights.
Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’ But he replied, ‘Scripture says:
Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says:
He will put you in his angels’ charge,
and they will support you on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘I will give you all these’, he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.
CHILDREN'S DISCUSSION STARTERS
A beginning point for discussion of this week's Gospel with children:
- Why did Jesus go into the wilderness?
- What did the devil try to tempt Jesus to do?
- What did Jesus say to the devil?
- In Lent we also have to make some choices. We prepare for Easter by praying and doing good works.
- What are some of the things you could you do in these next weeks of Lent?
Project Compassion 2026
Elise Nally, Catholic Identity Leader