Ash Wednesday
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a very important season in the church calendar. It is a time of solemn observance and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Lent is a traditional time for fasting or giving something up and invites us to make our minds and hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Students in Stage 1 celebrated Ash Wednesday with a liturgy at school where they received blessed ashes on their foreheads. Students in Years 3-6 attended Mass and also received the blessed ashes. It is lovely to be able to join again with our parishioners to attend Mass, and we look forward to being able to do this more regularly throughout the year.

First Reconciliation Commitment Mass
Last Sunday, many of the students who will be making the Sacrament of First Reconciliation attended a Commitment Mass with their families. Parents prayed a special prayer together for their children as they undertake this special journey together.

We pray for the following students in Year 3 as they prepare for this special sacrament of First Reconciliation later in the month:

Ollie A, Abbie H, Sam H, Tessa H, Mackenzie H, Anthony M, Madelyn M, Gabby S, Sam W, Lily M, Matilda W.

Reconciliation Retreat Day
Next Friday 18 March, Year 3 students will travel to Carroll College along with students from St Bernard's, to participate in a Faith Formation Retreat. This retreat day will support the students in deepening their understanding of the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Students will be engaged in a variety of tasks and activities led by the Year 9 Youth Ministry group. We are so thankful to be able to join together with our pathway schools for these enriching experiences.

A prayer for Ukraine

Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine, for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders, for compassion,
strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world, that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice
become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world.
Amen.