LENT

This week, we're commemorating Ash Wednesday, marking the most important season in the Church calendar - Lent.  It's all about getting closer to God, and the children are urged to think about actions such as talking to God, doing good deeds, and contributing to Project Compassion. These endeavors are commonly understood by adults as FASTING, PRAYER, and ALMSGIVING.

FASTING: is an ancient, sacred practice connected to Lent. It's a way to remind ourselves of our hunger for God. The combination of prayer and fasting leads us to the essence of Lent - a strengthening of our relationship with God.

PRAYER: Fasting and almsgiving are merely actions we do out of tradition if they are not connected to prayer. Prayer is our conversation with God. In these conversations we find the strength to fast, to develop a closer and more intimate relationship with God. This relationship makes us grateful for our many blessings and motivates us to give to those less fortunate.

ALMSGIVING is more than just being generous. It's our response to God after; a response nurtured through prayer and fasting. It becomes an expression of gratitude for the abundance we have received. When we realize we're all part of the Body of Christ, we realize that we have a responsibility to each other. That means being kind, doing good deeds, and fighting for what's fair, because that's what being a good Christian is all about. 

Caritas - Project Compassion. 

We are also launching Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion for 2024. We will be raising funds for people living in poverty. Your child may be introduced to the following stories: Ronita from The Philippines, Leaia from Samoa, Memory from Malawi. Their stories help paint a stark picture of the tremendous challenges people face in other parts of the world where extreme poverty is the norm for their community. Even in Australia, we have large numbers of our population who are disadvantaged and who cannot access mainstream society because they are experiencing economic hardship. Please consider giving generously this year and show your ‘ COMPASSION IN ACTION’.