SEASON OF LENT

Last week we began the season of Lent. Lent is the liturgical season of preparation, as we get ready for Easter—the Church’s greatest celebration. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, in which ashes are placed on our forehead in the shape of a cross to remember our own mortality and begin our journey of penance.

The Gospels tell us that after his baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert and was then tempted by the devil. He resisted these temptations and then went to Galilee to begin his public ministry.

Rather than focusing on what to abstain from during Lent, we ought to consider what we can commit to as well. What actions can we take to better ignite the flame of our faith within us?

Three key pillars characterize the Lenten season: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (charity).

During Lent, “we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting.”

Fasting is about giving up the things that stand in the way of spending time strengthening our relationship with God and replacing what we give up with prayer.

Almsgiving reminds us of Jesus’s call to serve and connects us in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need.

Above all, Lent is a season of prayer. Deepening our relationship with God during Lent gives meaning to our fasting and strengthens our call to almsgiving. 

https://hallow.com/lent/2023

Lenten Prayer: Father, through our observance of Lent, help us to understand the meaning of your Son’s death and resurrection, and teach us to reflect it in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Perhaps during this season of Lent and every day that follows, we can offer up to the Lord the burdens of the sacrifices we make. We can remain steadfast in meeting the responsibility of the grace received in the sacraments and so make our lives a constant tribute to the love of God.

https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/lenten-reflections-2023 

FIRST RECONCILIATION DATES FOR THE CALENDAR

A note will be sent home to the Year 3 parents regarding the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Any families who have a child wishing to join the Sacramental program for their First Reconciliation from your 4 -11 are invited to email or contact Mrs Collins at jacqueline.collins@cg.catholic.edu.au 

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting in St Joseph’s Hall 7pm Thursday 9th March 

(Week 6 of Term 1). Please note that this date had to be postponed from the original date advertised.

First Reconciliation Sacrament Sacred Heart Parish Church 7pm Thursday 4th May, (Week 2 of Term 2)

SACRAMENTAL DATES FOR 2023 - a note will be sent out via Compass informing families of the Sacramental dates of 2023 for their calendars. Please note that First Reconciliation is usually for Year 3 students, First Eucharist for Year 4 and Confirmation for Year 6. If you and your child are interested in making their sacraments and they are in an older grade they are still able to be involved. In this instance, please contact Mrs Collins to make arrangements at jacqueline.collins@cg.catholic.edu.au or alternatively make contact with Father Sijo.

PASSION PLAY/ EASTER PAGEANT

Please mark Holy Thursday 6th April (last day of Term One) on your calendar. You are invited to join the whole school for the Stage 5 Passion Play at 2pm.