Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent which lasts for forty days. This is a season to ask for forgiveness and search our heart to also show mercy to those who have hurt or offended us. God shares His mercy and forgiveness with us so that we may share it with others.

The Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent (this Sunday) offers us a promise with the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Jesus spent forty days praying and fasting in the desert. He was tempted 3 times; to change stones into bread, to become King of all the land and to jump off the roof of the temple to prove God’s love. But Jesus trusted in God’s love. With God’s help, He could turn away from temptation and choose to do the right thing. We can begin the journey of Lent this year with confidence, for this Gospel shows us that we too can change and turn back to God’s love. It is not always easy to turn away from temptation and choose to do the right thing.

This morning we celebrated Mass with Fr John. He spoke to the students about what they can do during Lent. We teachers and parents can encourage our students to do their best and not give up so that they can achieve great things in their learning and in their behaviour.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

The theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’. This year, the theme asks us to think about the great yes that Mary spoke when the angel told her she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted God’s invitation to take up a unique place in the history of the human family. The prayer Mary shared with her cousin Elizabeth says, “all generations will call me blessed”. Her yes is for all future generations. May ours be too!

For over 55 years, Caritas Australia has worked hand in hand with the most marginalised and remote communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty.  Project Compassion 2023 shares the stories of resilient and inspiring individuals whose lives and futures have been impacted by the ongoing
support of our partners and by your generosity. We encourage students to discover the power of giving and the impact that their contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others. When we lend a hand to someone in need, they will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations.
Compassion is contagious and creates a ripple effect of kindness and prosperity. For more information, please visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES:  Today, the eldest in each family will receive a Project Compassion box.  We encourage our students to give up some of the foods they might enjoy such as McDonald’s, lollies, soft drink etc. or spend time doing jobs for family and placing the money saved into the boxes to help others in need.  Boxes can be returned to the Office at the end of Lent.  For more information about CARITAS and its work go to www.caritas.org.au 

Go of all generations,

We thank You for those who have gone before us, especially those who have cared for Your earth and who inspire us to help respect Your creation and contribute to its healing.

We thank you for those with who we share our lives today,

Especially those who work for justice and peace.

May we welcome the opportunity that Lent brings to walk more closely with You,

Especially through fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

We thank You for the challenge of the future.

May the cross of Jesus remind us that only love finds a way forward.

As we work with big hearts, may we join Mary in her hope that from now on all generations

Will experience the great things You will do through us.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

(Caritas Australia 2023)

God bless.

Caroline Fuller - APRE