Religious Education News - Carmel Rheinberger
Yesterday we gathered together with St Monica’s Parish, for Ash Wednesday Mass. Fr Loi asked us to think about participating in one of the three great actions of Lent: PRAYER, FASTING, ALMSGIVING. He recounted a trip home to the Philippines, where he took a gift of thongs to a small school community. Fr Loi was very surprised to receive two live chickens in return! The message he was passing on was that –in the giving and receiving we are gifted with God’s love. It is good to give…-without expectation of return. Caritas runs the Project Compassion Appeal every year during Lent. Classes all have Project Compassion boxes- I am sure you remember them from your time at school. Our school community will be encouraged to donate spare change, small money found on the playground to the Appeal. The Appeal supports communities in a variety of countries around the world- for example- $5 will provide a school in the Solomon Islands with a reliable tap so students can access clean drinking water.
What’s with the Ashes?
If your child came home talking about the Ashes yesterday- or you could still see them and you are unfamiliar with this Catholic/Christian tradition, the link below may be of use to you- it is only about 40 seconds.
Ash Wednesday begins a wonderful season of reflection and preparation. Receiving the ashes as a member of the church community helps children recognize that they are an important part of the Catholic community and are united with the Church in its Lenten preparation.