Catholic Identity
This past week has been a busy one as we have celebrated Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and the start of the season of Lent!
It was great to see the student’s openness and willingness to learn more about these events and what it means in our Catholic tradition. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of one of the most important times in the Church and our parish.
Lent lasts for 40 days (not including Sunday’s) and concludes on Holy Thursday. The 40 days of Lent remind us of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert in preparation for his public ministry. It is the time that we prepare to enter the mystery of Easter - that Jesus died and that was sad - but it was also wonderful in an Easter kind of way… somehow he was still with his friends, somehow he is still with us! Lent is a time for getting ready for the king who is coming, then going, then coming again.
The Church encourages us to prepare for the great mystery of Easter in three specific ways….
Fasting
Fasting does not have to be about just giving up ‘food’. Fasting is often done by giving up something that you enjoy, certain past times or an event…..and giving the money you’ve saved to help someone else. We are also invited to ‘give up’ some habits that are not life-giving. Maybe we could consider giving up petty rivalries, jealousy, negativity, impatience or greed.
Prayer
Prayer is a central part of the Catholic tradition and is observed regularly. During Lent Catholics are called to continue their prayer life and ‘make space’ for God.
Almsgiving
Almsgiving refers to being charitable and sharing what we have with people in need. Project Compassion is the appeal run through Caritas Australia which Catholic communities are encouraged to support during Lent. Families are encouraged to watch together the stories of the communities we will be supporting through our Project Compassion donations.
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday was celebrated from our own homes this year. Many children engaged in making pancakes with their families. We spoke of the significance of fasting, and how we could do something extra this lent to help others.
Our Social Justice team planned to lead the Launch of Project Compassion, however they have already been busy at work promoting Caritas by selling Zooper Doopers to raise money during this Lenten time. They are working hard to build Social Justice within our School. We hope to have more Zooper Dooper days when the weather is warm returning to school. On our first Zooper Dooper day we raised $115. I would like to introduce the Social Justice Team below, and congratulate them on their positive attitude and willingness to promote our Catholic Identity within our school.
Nate Vincitorio
Aurelie Wilson
Ruby Harman
Cooper Bamford
Sienna O’Halloran
Another special and significant event in our school has had to be cancelled. We also celebrate Ash Wednesday at home, and recognise that it is the beginning of Lent. It is a shame we cannot celebrate this with a Mass at our beautiful church but hopefully we will be able to return very soon. You might like to reflect on the following Gospel story and reflection to celebrate this at home.
Best wishes,
Jessie Simpson
ASH WEDNESDAY
"Your Father, who sees all that is done in secret,
will reward you."
Year B | Wednesday 17th February | purple
The Gospel Story
In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday, Jesus says that we should do good deeds to please God, not to show off to other people and get their approval. God can always see us and will reward us for the good things we do. In the same way, we should go to a quiet place when we pray so that we can focus on talking to God, rather than focusing on the people around us. God always hears us and will reward us.
The Gospel
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 6:1, 5-6
Your Father, who sees all that is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"When you do good deeds,
don't try to show off.
If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven.
When you pray,
don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray
in the meeting places and on the street corners.
They do this just to look good.
I promise you that they already have their reward.
When you pray,
go into a room alone and close the door.
Pray to your Father in private.
He knows what is done in private,
and he will reward you."
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the Gospel - discussion
What happens to caterpillars? They change into butterflies.
What are we supposed to do during Lent? We try to change too.
We try to give up our old ways, become more like Jesus and love others more.
What are some things you can change as an individual or as a family this Lent?
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
"This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him."
Year B | Sunday 21st February | purple
The Gospel Story
In today’s Gospel, God’s spirit tells Jesus to go in to the desert. In the desert, Satan tests Jesus and tries to trick him. Jesus does not fall for Satan’s tricks and eventually Satan goes away. Jesus stays in the desert for 40 days with the wild animals, but angels look after Jesus.
After leaving the desert, Jesus travels to Galilee and tells the people the good news that God loves everyone! Jesus tells the people to turn their hearts back to God and believe the good news.
The Gospel
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:12-15
This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him.
Right away God's Spirit made Jesus go into the desert.
He stayed there for forty days while Satan tested him.
Jesus was with the wild animals,
but angels took care of him.
After John was arrested,
Jesus went to Galilee and told the good news that comes from God.
He said, "The time has come!
God's kingdom will soon be here.
Turn back to God and believe the good news!"
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the Gospel - discussion
Part of Jesus' struggle in the wilderness was to work out his priorities – what was most important to him.
What things are really important to you? To your family? To your friends?
Do you think you value the same things that other young people value? Why or why not?
