Parish News
News from Holy Spirit Parish and Fr Arsenio
PARISH NEWS
Not much news from the Parish given we are currently in lockdown. Hopefully it will end at midnight Wednesday and we will be able to resume our weekend and weekday masses. This week is the start of Lent however, Ash Wednesday masses did not go ahead. Project Compassion boxes will be available once we are able to open our doors again. In the meantime, stay safe and we hope to see you all shortly. The Parish newsletter “The Word” is still available online.
Ruth Frangeskakis
Parish Secretary
Holy Spirit Parish
120 Oban Road
Ringwood North Vic 3134
Phone: 9876 3717 or 9876 3077
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday was on the 17th of February, and although we were not able to celebrate this most important day of the year, each class has created a pledge based on the words of St. Oscar Romero “Aspire not to have more, but to BE more.”
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. The marking of the ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is an expression of our faith and a sign that we are asking God for forgiveness. It is a time of prayer, fasting and giving to others. When we pray, we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting helps us remember the needs of the poor, who often have no choice but to go without basic needs such as food, water and shelter. Giving to the poor, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice. It reminds us of our blessings and allows us to give thanks for all that God has given us. We think especially of all those around the world who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. On this day, think about what you are going to pray for, what you are going to give or give up and how you can make a difference to others, or the environment, this Lent. As we prepare for Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar, let us remember Jesus’ messages of love and mercy, and ask God to bless us so that we can ‘Be More’ in our own lives and in thves of others. (From Caritas Australia) |
Prayers of the Faithful
Lord, we begin our Lenten journey being marked with the sign of the cross as a symbol of your love and sacrifice for us. We join together in prayer, asking for your blessing and guidance.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for Pope Francis and Archbishop Peter that they may follow your lead and bring peace and strength to our Church.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for our school community, that we may be inspired by the life and message of Christ to act in love; reaching out to those who need our help.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Lord, we ask you to walk with us this Lent and guide us as we come together as disciples of Jesus, ready to make a difference in the lives of others.
We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Lord, we pray for the work of Caritas Australia, that through our support of Project Compassion, Caritas can work together with communities around the world, providing them with the skills needed to create a future they deserve. We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer
