Lenten Season- A Journey of Generosity, Compassion & Hope

Lent is a time of reflection and renewal. It is a time for Christians to consider how they live the word of God and to renew this living. The Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are one way in which Christians embody the values of justice, compassion and generosity and the giving up of oneself. I ask you the community of St Raphael to take some time this lenten season to reflect on these practices and do they have significance in your life during this time? How can you live generously and justly during Lent?

To me, God and compassion are one and the same. Compassion is the joy of sharing. It's doing small things for the love of each other – just a smile, helping someone back on their feet if they have fallen or showing some simple kindness. These are the small things that make up compassion. Mother Teresa, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was quoted to say, 'Compassion means trying to share and understand the suffering of people '

Please take the time as a family to read and reflect on the words spoken in Matthew's Gospel (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 -Ash Wednesday's Mass).

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.

‘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.

‘When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.’

Caritas Australia's Melbourne Launch (Project Compassion)

Today, one of our school captains, Steven Varvarigos attended Project Compassion’s official 2019 launch. Catholic Education invited school leaders to attend a mass at St Monica’s, Epping celebrated by Melbourne’s new Archbishop Peter Commensoli.

Steven's reflection........

It was a really good experience being at the the mass representing the school. The Arch Bishop told us about the 4 things that created hope and he blessed us. We also learnt about a poor child in Africa and how we and Caritas can help them to have education food water and shelter. It was an excellent experience to be there and I want to work more with Caritas foundation.

Project Compassion 2019

Parish, School and Community Bulletin Notices

Each family will receive a Project Compassion box to raise money and support Caritas Australia this Lenten season. The theme is “Give Lent 100%”.

As Pope Francis said, “The future does have a name… and it's name is hope.”

Through your generosity during Project Compassion this year, you are empowering communities with hope and helping those in great need to shape a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. Lives change when we all give 100%.

Each week there is a story of real people needing help. Please read the next fortnight stories set out by Caritas Australia

First Sunday of Lent

10th March 2019

Twelve-year-old Thandolwayo would walk seven kilometres each day to collect contaminated water for her family. It looked like she would never realise her hope of finishing her education and becoming a nurse, until a Caritas Australia supported project created access to clean water helping Thandolwayo to stay at school and achieve a future full of hope.

Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and to provide clean water and a future full of hope for vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe.

Second Sunday of Lent

Second Sunday of Lent

17th March 2019

Tati lives in the remote forest of Indonesia. She is a mother of three who was earning an income working in a local rubber plantation. Since taking part in eco-tourism training with Caritas Australia and its partners, Tati can now afford to send her children to school. With new hope and commitment Tati aspires to a future free from poverty for her family.

Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and help lift communities in Indonesia out of poverty, and give them hope to protect our common home.

Lives change when we all give 100%. You can donate through Parish boxes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413. All boxes once full can be brought to the office. We thank you in anticipation for your generosity.

Ash Wednesday Mass

Ash Wednesday Mass will be held at 9.30am on Wednesday 6th March.

All welcome.

Student Awards and Birthdays

Students of the Week

Birthdays of the week