Next week the Church season of Lent begins.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (26^th February) and lasts for a period of forty days. Lent reminds us of Jesus’ time in the desert where he went to pray and fast.

Lent is a time of preparation and an opportunity to be closer to God. It is a time for personal reflection that prepares people’s hearts and minds for the events of Good Friday and Easter.

The three main things that become our focus during Lent are prayer, fasting (going without something) and giving or charity.

Ash Wednesday which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, 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. Each classroom will also be provided with a Project Compassion Box.

Mass will be celebrated on Ash Wednesday at 12 noon. Year 3/4 will lead us in this Mass.

PRAYER

God of all peoples and nations,

As you accompany us on our Lenten journey,

May our fasting strengthen our commitment to live in solidarity,

Our almsgiving be an act of justice,

And our prayers anchor us in love and compassion.

Awaken our hearts and minds that we may be one human family

As we all go further together. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen

Claiming the date:

Tuesday 31^st March and Wednesday 1^st April – The Relics of St Therese of Lisieux will be visiting St Patrick’s Gundagai. More information in the next Newsletter.