Lenten Penance and Project Compassion

As you may be aware, we are in the season of Lent. Lent and every Friday throughout the year are special times of Penance for Catholics. Bishop Brian Mascord, has reminded us of the importance of Lent. Repentance means the rejection of Sin and it also means trying to reconcile with God. Penance can involve prayer, self-denial and works of charity. During this season of Lent, please try to discuss and observe these common practices:

1. Prayer – for example, while all parishioners are dispensed from the obligation to physically attend Mass, praying silently at home or with your family is highly encouraged.Please join me in praying for those currently impacted by COVID-19 and for all those who care for the sick, including clergy who risk their own wellbeing in the service of others.
2. Self Denial- for example, not eating meat, giving up sweets or entertainment
3. Helping others – for example, giving someone who is poor, sick or elderly special attention.

We have Project Compassion Boxes in every classroom as well as in the front office for your child or your family to contribute. Money raised from Project Compassion goes to various Catholic relief aids throughout the world. If you would like to learn more about Project Compassion, there are several resources including videos on this website: http://www.caritas.org.au

Altar Servers

Students who returned permission notes will participate in Altar Server training with Mrs David and Fr Peter. This is a wonderful opportunity for students in our school to assist in parts of the Mass.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion Parent Information Night

At this stage please save the date for our Parent Information Night for Holy Communion. We are not sure if it will be cancelled yet. At this stage the parent-led weekly sessions will go ahead next term but we will keep you updated. We will let you know as soon as possible about this important sacramental program and Sacrament of First Holy Communion. I am sure many parents and family members are worried about the celebration of this special sacrament in light of recent events.

This Week’s Gospel Reading

Sunday’s Gospel reading was the story of the Samaritan Woman and Jesus at the well. “This beautiful story symbolises the extraordinary relationship that each one of us has with our Heavenly Father. Her physical thirst for water represents, not only for her, but also for us, our search, our thirst for meaning and purpose in our lives. And it is in this journey of discovery for meaning and purpose in our lives that is the journey of Lent” (Wollongong Diocese Lenten Program Grace - Fr Christopher Sarkis).

Deanna David

Religious Education Coordinator