Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now in the season of Lent, a 40 day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We began preparations for the season last week with Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day), a firm favourite with the St Mary’s students. The following day the students in Years 1-6 attended a beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass held at Sacred Heart. 

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. Please support this wonderful cause which runs until Easter Sunday, by sending coins in with your child for their class mission box. Thank you!

Staff Commissioning Masses
At the beginning of each academic year, the staff at our K-12 Pathways Schools are commissioned to the ministry of Catholic education at special Masses held at Batehaven and Moruya. We thank Fr. Loi and Fr. George for these beautiful celebrations.

“Lord you commission us with the promise of your Grace and the reassurance of Your presence. Send over us the spirit of Your Son, the spirit of light and truth that we may come to the knowledge that surpasses all understanding and leads all people to peace.”

Sacrament of Reconciliation
On Thursday last week, we held a meeting for parents of students in Year 3 who are making the  Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this term. Key dates for this Sacrament are as follows:

• Commitment Mass: 5pm, Saturday 24 February
• Sacramental Retreat at Carroll College (all students in Year 3): Friday 1 March
• First Reconciliation Celebration at Sacred Heart: 6pm, Wednesday 10 April 

If you would like more information please email genevieve.schofield@cg.catholic.edu.au

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 well-being 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.

Genevieve Schofield
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)