Religious Education with Mrs Skelly
Lent
During LENT we are called to take a good hard look at ourselves… How are we living our lives? Are we really trying to be like Jesus? Do we practise… compassion, mercy, Justice, humility, forgiveness, prayerfulness?
We are asked to practise three things during Lent to get us back on track
- PRAYING – spend some quality time with God. Pray the ‘Our Father’ or ‘Hail Mary’ really thinking about the words in the prayer; have a conversation with God; reflect on the Scriptures; or simply sit in a quiet place and BE with God. Take time to just BE in God’s presence, experience His love and receive His blessing by attending Mass.
There are many websites dedicated to daily prayer and meditation. Sign up for free and receive daily emails. A couple of great ones are:
- 3 minute retreat; and Lenten Moments of Mercy loyolapress.com
- Daily prayers and Scripture; pray.com.au
Each Monday morning (9am) during Lent (beginning on Monday), there will be a whole school Lenten Prayer. All are welcome to join us for this.
- FASTING – fast from those things that keep us from being close to God and from being the best person we can be (TV, computer, overindulgence, gossiping, selfishness. I can think of a multitude of things I could fast from).
- ALMSGIVING – Reach out to help the poor - support Project Compassion; look for works of love and mercy you can do every day; go out of your comfort zone, go over and beyond to spread Jesus’ message of hope, love and joy.
Mini Vinnies
Our Year 6 students had a visit from Mini Vinnies leaders from Canberra last week. They spoke about social justice and how they could follow in Jesus’ footsteps to work for a JUST world.
Year 6 comments: “Josh and Therese made me feel very lucky for what I have. They gave us facts about homeless people and how they might become homeless”
“It was interesting because we learnt how many people are actually working with St Vinnies and how they do food drives, giving warm blankets to homeless and help people pay their bills if they need”
“Therese told us about how six Uni friends in France decided they would like to help the homeless people after seeing them on their way to Uni. They started Vinnies and it’s called a Conference when there’s a group of them working together.
“I can’t wait to start our own mini-vinnies conference here at school”
Our school Mission Leaders (Madeleine, Regan and Olivia) and other class members will be signing up to form our St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team. Stay tuned to find out how they will be working for justice and peace and how YOU can support them.
During Lent our Mini Vinnies team will be working to answer Jesus’ call to give alms (almsgiving). Let us all help them supporting PROJECT COMPASSION through raising money for ‘the least of our brothers and sisters’.
Please support PROJECT COMPASSION by sending along ANY change you can spare for the Project Compassion box.
