Dear Parents and Caregivers
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday our whole school will celebrate a special Liturgy for the first time this year. This Liturgy is a Liturgy celebrating Ash Wednesday which begins the church season of Lent. On this day we receive some ashes to remind us that as believers of the Good News we are going to try to live out Jesus message of love and forgiveness. The ashes come from the palms used at last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations.
Lent goes for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week, the beginning of the Easter celebrations. Lent is a time for us to Fast, Pray and Give Alms (Serve Others).
The number 40 is very significant in the Bible:
I remember Lent as a child as a time of fasting and going without. We fasted as a way of helping us understand some of the suffering Jesus went through when he fasted in the desert and as a way of focusing the mind on holy thoughts. In some ways it was quite exciting because it was one of the few times we had ‘takeaway’, as on Fridays we were only allowed to have fish and no meat. The local fish and chip shop always did a roaring trade on Fridays.
Fasting is common among many religions. The Jews have Yom Kippur, a solemn time to show a need for forgiveness of sins through fasting and praying. The Muslims have Ramadan, a month when they fast from before sunrise to sunset. The Hindus fast at festivals and at other times to show devotion to the Hindu deities.
Let us reflect on the words that Pope Francis wants us to FAST from during Lent – and beyond.
Project Compassion
This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.
The theme this year is: For all Future Generations. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Join us this Lent to raise much-needed funds for people living in poverty. Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.
Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au
Sacramental Program
The preparation and celebration of Sacraments occurs through the Family Faith Formation Program (FFFP) run through the Norwood Parish. This week, families received information regarding the Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion Programs for 2022. Parents are asked to complete the Enrolment Form attached and return it to the Parish Office or myself, along with a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate.
If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil at the Office.
This Week’s Sunday Readings are:
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:39-45
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Ignatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM