Dear Parents and Caregivers
Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday, a day that signifies, for many 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 by reflecting on 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 and prayer.
This year, because of the continuing COVID restrictions and new recommendations from the Adelaide Archdiocese for the distribution of Ashes, we celebrated this special day by coming together with Liturgies of the Word at school for students in Preschool to Year 3. Our Year 4 to 6 students joined the Parish at the midday for Ash Wednesday Mass.
During the Liturgies, we reflected on the words of Pope Francis from 2017 when he asked us to consider what Fasting might mean for us today.
Do you want to fast this Lent?
A Prayer for Lent
Loving God, as we commence this Lenten journey, may we do so,
filled with the certain hope that Jesus travels with us as companion and guide.
He is the treasure hidden in the field of our lives.
We pray for eyes that are open to see the gifts that are offered to us in this time,
and hearts that are open to respond with generosity and love.
Amen
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.
We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. 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
Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”
Sacramental Program
The preparation and celebration of Sacraments occurs through the Family Faith Formation Program (FFFP) run through the Norwood Parish. This week, families with students in Year 3 will receive information in an email regarding the Reconciliation Program for 2021. 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.
Reconciliation is a sacrament of peace and healing. It is a positive word which reflects the celebration of God’s love for us along with forgiveness and joy as we restore our relationship with God and others. Reconciliation invites us to acknowledge when we have made a poor choice and damaged relationships by restoring or building bridges and find a way, to make things right.
Social Work Students
Over the next semester, SJMS will again host a Social Work student and 2 Social Science students from the University of SA for their placement. Kelly, Tahlia and Deanna are close to completing their degrees and look forward to working within our community.
Their goals are to provide children with the support they need to be successful through promoting social and emotional wellbeing by providing a fun and varied learning environment, which will encourage student to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
Kelly will be with us on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays and Deanna on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday across both sites. Tahlia will be with us on Monday and Wednesday at Bridge Street.
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
APRIM