Carnevale Celebrations
Last Tuesday, the School Community came together to celebrate Carnevale or Shrove Tuesday. Historically, the day before Ash Wednesday, this day is chiefly marked by feasting and celebration. “Carne vale,” or “goodbye meat,” is a reference to the Catholic tradition of giving up meat (and other fleshly temptations) during Lent.
Thank you to Mrs Nickie Palumbo and Mrs Maree Raphael who coordinated this event and to the parents / caregivers for their generous donations and support on the day.
To view photos from the day, please click here.
Ash Wednesday
Last Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday. This day signifies, for Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person, our life choices and possible life directions.
On Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of: our sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving.
At mass on Wednesday, Fr. Stan referred to these acts of fasting that Pope Francis shared in a homily last year. Perhaps, we too, need to consider this type of of fasting…
Pope Francis' Words
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
A Prayer for Lent
O Jesus, you place on my forehead the sign of your saving Cross:
“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
How can I turn from sin unless I turn to You?
Your speak, you raise your hand, you touch my mind and call my name,
“Turn to the Lord your God again.”
These days of your favour leave a blessing as you pass
on me and all your people.
Turn to us, Lord God, and we shall turn to you.
Author unknown.
Project Compassion
Last week students took home a Project Compassion box from Caritas Australia. This year the theme is 'A Just Future' and acknowledges the Year of Youth.
As Pope Francis said, “Cultivate with love the seeds of goodness, beauty and truth that God sows in every new generation.”
Through your generosity during Project Compassion this year, you are empowering young people to build a just future for themselves, their families and their communities.
A Just Future starts with your support!
Sacramental Program
An invitation to parents who would like their child to celebrate Reconciliation through the Parish Family Faith Formation Program - the first meeting will be held on Sunday 4 March at 9am in the Parish Hall.
Enrolment Forms are available through the Church or the William Street Campus. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Assistant Principal (RIM)