Dear Parents and Carers,

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. This week, we prepared for Lent with the tradition of Shrove Tuesday. ‘Pancake Day’ is always highly-anticipated at St Mary’s, and enjoyed by all. 

This week, all students in Years 1-6 attended the Ash Wednesday Mass. We thank Fr. Anthony for leading us into the season of Lent with this special celebration.

CARITAS Australia - Project Compassion
Each year Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australians in schools, parishes and the community to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. The theme this year is For All Future Generations. This theme reminds us that how we act today has an impact on future generations. This message invites us to step-up for those with greater needs than our own. By putting compassion into action, we can make a difference for all future generations. 

Please support this wonderful cause which runs until Easter Sunday. You may send coins in with your child for their class mission box, or use the QR Code below to go straight to the St Mary’s fundraising page. Thank you for your support!

A prayer for Lenten grace

Loving God,
During the sacred season of Lent, bring me closer to you.
Prepare a place in my home and heart for silence and solitude, so that I
may rediscover the grace of a prayerful life.
Help me to fast from those things that threaten the wellbeing of
body and soul and remind me of the grace of simplicity.
Enlarge my heart so that I give to those in need and, in doing so, rediscover
the grace of gratitude and generosity.
May this season be a grace-filled time to rekindle my love
and faith in you.
Amen.

Gen Schofield
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)