Religious Education 

 

Religious Education

 

 

Now you are  the body of         Christ and individually members of it.                                   1 Corinthians 12:27

Dear Parents/ Carers

Burning the Palms

On Monday some of the school leaders gathered together to burn the palms for our Ash Wednesday liturgy. In our liturgy for Ash Wednesday, we use ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year.  Fr. John blessed the ashes and sprinkled them over each person's head saying , “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”  

When we begin the holy season of Lent we remember the significance of the ashes we have received and work at renewing our relationship with God. 

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday, as we entered the season of Lent, the students gathered together to pray. The season of Lent is an opportunity to take stock of how we are living our lives and reflect on what our priorities are. Where does God fit into your life? Matthew’s gospel yesterday, helped us to reflect on being authentic.

Below, I have included  a short excerpt of the scripture read at Ash Wednesday Mass:

“And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.” Mt 6:16-18

Here are some questions you might like to reflect upon over the coming week:

How do you think the disciples reacted to what Jesus said to them in this passage?

How might you respond to those who cite this gospel passage as an argument against receiving the ashes on their forehead?

Where in your own life do you recognise elements of being like the hypocrites that Jesus criticises?

How has your observance of Lent (almsgiving, prayer, fasting) changed over time?

To what do you wish to commit yourself this Lenten season?

Please note the following important dates for your diary:

Week 6:

Reconciliation Faith Night for Yr 3 parents and students Tuesday the 8th March 7pm. At this stage the evening will be held online.

Week 9

Reconciliation Reflection Day Year 3 and 4’s Monday the 28th March.                                    This will be held at school. More information will be sent closer to the date

Prep welcome Mass Saturday 6pm 2nd April

Week 10: 

First Reconciliation Tuesday the 5th April 6pm at St Bede’s Church

First Reconciliation Wednesday the 6th April 6pm St Bede’s Church

Whole School Easter Re-enactment Friday the 8th April 11:30am

Take Care

Bernadette Reed

(Religious Education Leader)