Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing

Last Wednesday saw the official beginning of Lent as we came together for a school service to mark Ash Wednesday. For many, many years Catholics have shown their willingness to repent for their sins by having a cross of ashes placed on their forehead. This year due to Covid regulations the Vatican instructed for ashes to be sprinkled on the top of our heads. Perhaps not an obvious sign of our faith but more of a private, personal connection with God.

During lent we need to remember what God asks of us. Sacrifice, giving and prayer should be a part of our Lenten journey. As well as the fasting and almsgiving, the third invitation of Lent is that we pray. However, there is a difference between saying prayers and praying. Yes, it’s important to be able to come to God in prayer, saying prayers that we have known since our childhood, but it is also important to pray with no words at all, with the hope of hearing something, to listen not with our ears but with an open and listening heart. As we continue our Lenten journey, may our prayer be:

Speak Lord, I am listening 

Another example of a prayer is:

It is wonderful to begin this week

acknowledging that we need God's help in listening and hearing.

It is so powerful to ask for the "gift of integrity" 

to express our desire for wholeness.

And, we humbly ask for light in the midst of whatever

might "shadow our vision."

This is the God who allows Jesus

to be transfigured before his disciples,

to prepare them for what they were about to face.

This is our God, who can give each of us

the change of heart we ask for.

And finally for those that are interested, attached are the Readings, Prayers and Reflections for the week.

Collaborative Ministry Lent

Until next time:

"Lent is a good time for sacrificing. Let us deny ourselves something every day to help others." -Pope Francis