Religious Education and Social Justice
Season of Lent
As we commence the season of Lent today it is timely to remember that we are called to focus on becoming closer to Jesus by praying a little more, doing good deeds for others, going without something we like and giving generously to others in need.
Project Compassion donations
Our Social Justice Leaders have delivered Project Compassion donation boxes to each Learning Community. We encourage children to place some money in the boxes so that by the end of Lent we can make a donation to Caritas Australia to support the wonderful work they do in caring for people in Australia and other countries.
Other Social Justice News
Commencing this Friday 4th March, our Social Justice Leaders will be selling Zooper Doopers at lunchtime on Fridays for $1.00 each. All proceeds from the sale of the Zooper Doopers will go towards supporting our Social Justice initiatives this year.
Prayers for Ukraine
At his most recent general audience in Rome, Pope Francis made a special appeal for prayer for peace, urging the world to pray for Ukraine and dedicate Ash Wednesday as a special day of prayer and fasting.
"My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.
And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war." Pope Francis
Prayer to the Immaculate Queen of Peace
Most holy and immaculate Virgin,
Mother of Jesus and our loving Mother,
being his Mother,
you shared in his universal kingship.
The prophets and angels proclaimed him
King of peace.
With loving fervor in our hearts
we salute and honor you
as Queen of peace.
We pray that your intercession
may protect us and all people
from hate and discord,
and direct our hearts
into the ways of peace and justice
which your Son taught and exemplified.
We ask your maternal care
for our Holy Father
who works to reconcile the nations in peace. We seek your guidance for
our Presidents and other leaders
as they strive for world peace.
Glorious Queen of Peace,
grant us peace in our hearts,
harmony in our families and concord throughout the world.
Immaculate Mother,
watch over us and protect us
with your motherly love.
Amen.
May God bless us all and keep us safe.
Jane Wilkinson
Religious Education Leader