Opening Schools Liturgy - ‘Guide us in the path of life’

Today we came together as a community to celebrate our Opening Schools Liturgy and induct our Year 6 students into their leadership role within the school. Father Paul led our prayer celebration as the students embraced our theme this year: With a Father’s Heart. The students sang beautifully and the hymns were lead by Mrs Fletcher, with Mr Kucher playing the guitar.

‘Remember That You Are Dust And To Dust You Shall Return’

Lent is fast approaching. This is an extremely important time in our lives where we are able to take the opportunity to reflect and prepare before the Season of Easter commences. The preparations begin on Shrove Tuesday (Tuesday 16 February). Shrove Tuesday is celebrated traditionally by using flour, sugar and other items from the pantry to make pancakes or sweet treats. It is a symbol that Lent is about to commence as we prepare ourselves to fast by sacrificing things that we love. Lent commences following Shrove Tuesday on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent are marked with the symbol of the cross placed on our foreheads. This symbol is a reminder of the biggest sacrifice God has made for us all, by allowing his only son to die for us on the cross. During lent, we take part in three key focuses; prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Prayer - Is love for God

Praying every day is a way you can talk to God. You can pray at school, with your family or on your own. There are many different ways you can pray;

• Sing a hymn
• Say the Rosary
• Attend Mass
• Take part in Christian Meditation

Fasting - Is love for yourself

Fasting is important as it teaches us willpower to sacrifice something we wouldn’t normally go without. Including food, there are other ways you can fast;

• Give up technology (or reduce you time to just weekends)
• No meat on Fridays
• Fast from sweet treats
• Give up your favourite drink

Almsgiving - Is love for others

Almsgiving is traditionally the practice of giving money or food to those who are less fortunate than us. But, there are other ways we give alms;

• What can you do to support or help someone else without them knowing? 
• How can you go out of your way for someone?
• What will you sacrifice so you can donate to Caritas?
• Could you do some extra jobs around the house without being asked?
• Do something without expecting anything in return

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Year 3 students will soon be preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their Religion lessons at school. If you would like your child to make this Sacrament, please visit the Parish website to complete an online registration form and make a donation to the church.

Workbooks will be sent home in the coming weeks for you to prepare your child to receive the sacrament. The mass for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place on Wednesday 10 March at 6pm.

Important Term 1 Dates:

• Shrove Tuesday Liturgy (9:15am, Tuesday 16 February)
• Ash Wednesday Service (10:00am, Wednesday 17 February)
• Reconciliation Retreat Day (Wednesday 10 March)
• Sacrament of Reconciliation (6pm, Wednesday 10 March)
• Feast of St Joseph (Friday 19 March)

Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions and limited numbers we are unable to invite parents to whole school liturgies.

For further information or any questions, please feel free to contact me on via email: michelle.vuli@cg.catholic.edu.au