This week we commenced the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday (March 2). We gathered in small groups for a liturgy in Saint Mary’s Parish Church to mark the beginning of this 40-day journey to Easter. Due to restrictions again, the ashes were sprinkled on top of our heads instead of the usual cross-shaped ash on our foreheads, as a symbol of fasting and cleansing. Special thanks to Fr Elias, Sr Janina, Mrs Ierace-Bowers, Mr O’Neill, Miss Vuong, Mrs Rodrigues, Mrs Russell, Ms Phong, Mr Otten, Miss Smith, Mr Rodgers, Mr Battistessa, Mrs Jennings and Mr Tanham, and all our student readers, who assisted with our liturgies throughout the day.
Lent is an opportunity to turn away from sin (avoid temptations and show forgiveness towards others) and turn back to God (renew one’s prayer life and relationship with God). During this season, some people like to make daily commitments and the usual fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. You may like to try keeping a Lenten calendar, like this one, to celebrate the Lenten season with a positive spirit: https://www.ssjphila.org/home/about-our-work/justice-and-peace/resources-and-advocacy/love-boldly/
This week we also launched Caritas Australia’s annual fundraiser Project Compassion to raise funds for people living in poverty. This year’s theme is “Future For All Generations”. Currently, Caritas Australia is in partnership with Caritas Ukraine to provide support in the form of food security; water, sanitation and hygiene; shelter, health care outreach and education support for the most vulnerable during the unfolding crisis. We have already commenced our support of Project Compassion with the selling of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (March 1). On this day we raised just over $220. Thank you very much to Miss Templin, Mrs Russell and our Student Leaders for assisting, and to all who supported this very worthy cause and enjoyed a pancake! Students and staff are encouraged to donate any loose change to the Project Compassion boxes in their Form rooms.
On Shrove Tuesday our Year 12 Social Justice Leaders – Sophie Rowse, Ghasaq Almadi, Arminta Qadir and Thomas Kazandzis – participated in the Project Compassion 2022 Schools’ Online Launch, which was hosted by Trinity College. As a result of their participation in this virtual event, they were encouraged to make a difference and inspire others to do the same. They have some great ideas as to how else we can respond to the needs of our time and promote awareness of current social justice issues, so watch this space!
Pope Francis asked all people to devote Ash Wednesday to intense prayer and fasting for Ukraine. Let us continue to pray for peace and be in solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this very difficult time. May we also be mindful of our neighbours in the eastern states of Australia who have been affected by the terrible flooding, as well as all those who are still being impacted by the pandemic. Let us be people of peace, hope and love.
Lenten blessings,
Sr Emma Llewellyn
Head of Ministry
