Faith, Justice and Formation

Lent at St Patrick’s College in 2024

Today we commemorated Ash Wednesday by looking at this period of Lent like a bushfire which sweeps through and causes harm, but also cleanses the bush, because in Australia, the period following the summer is the season of renewal, what we are headed for at Easter. We looked at being in the wilderness, and how to use this time to focus on our relationship with God so we can come out.

To help with this process Lent requires us to pray, fast and give alms, among other things. Ways we can do this at the College include the following:

Pray – the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Friday Masses, the Angelus, prayer before class, Stations of the Cross, and the Rosary to happen at lunch in the Chapel (times TBA), the Holy Week Liturgy.

Fast – most will do their own personal fasting, but as a physical reminder for us no meat items will be sold at the Canteen on Wednesday and every Friday in Lent, nor will they be sold as part of the Lenten Appeal on Fridays. We can also look at fasting from actions and consumption, so that we are free for more right relationships. Please see our Lenten Carbon Fast for 2024 below which might help guide your commitment to God’s creation.  

Almsgiving – the SPC Lenten Appeal which is our major fundraising program at the College will take place across the season. All classes/homerooms are asked to participate. No individuals are to run their own stalls. Everything is booked in, and transparency exists. However, the greatest way we can all contribute is to donate money without expecting anything in return. This might mean giving up the money that was going to buy a treat at the canteen or foregoing something after school, because the season is one of sacrifice.

This important season also encourages many other things including reflection, forgiveness, learning about and raising awareness of justice issues and stepping back. Let us take the opportunity to give and grow without reward and be God’s hands and eyes in the world. God bless you in your journey towards the Resurrection.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity