Education in Faith

Ash Wednesday and Lent.

This week, during Lock down, we began the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Our children participated in class group reflections and learnt about the meaning of Lent through at home learning activities. Lent is the  period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, Ash Wednesday is a day to remember God’s holiness and our sinfulness. The aim of this is to try turning away from sin. Christians are marked with an ash cross on their foreheads as a symbolic reminder of trying to shift our focus from the business of our lives and make Christ central to all that we do.

During Lent, there are three ways Christians work towards rebuilding a closer relationship with God. This is done through prayer, fasting and the act of giving to others.

Prayer allows us time to stop, reflect and open up a conversation with God. By consciously making time to pray we allow God the opportunity to speak with us and re-evaluate what is really important in our lives. 

Fasting allows us to mindfully remove some of the excesses of our lives. For me, the reliance and then habit of online shopping during the Pandemic has grown into an unnecessary time filler.  Fasting from online purchases is an opportunity for me to personally take stock of what I really need to be happy. (Another dress is probably not the answer!)

The last is giving. During Lent we aim to remind ourselves of others who are so less fortunate than ourselves. The children will be learning about the wonderful work Caritas does in supporting disadvantaged communities around the world. Each class has a Project Compassion box to raise money, to help others have the basic necessitates for survival. We can also give our time to our parish and local charities to help support others. 

As Christians, participating in Lenten activities is not a prerequisite but an opportunity to help us experience God in incredible new ways!

Yours In Faith,

Sue Lema

Faith Leader