Lent:  The staff and students have commenced their Lenten journey this week, celebrating Shrove Tuesday with the traditional pancakes, and joining the Parish community for Mass on Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday Father George placed a cross made from ashes on our foreheads. The cross reminds us to repent, to think about our actions and to be more like Jesus as we enter the season of Lent. The ashes, which are mixed with holy water or olive oil, are made by burning palm leaves from Palm Sunday the previous year. The ashes are a physical sign that Lent has begun, and that it is time to reflect on how we can prepare ourselves spiritually for Easter.

During Lent we focus on fasting, almsgiving, (giving to those less fortunate than ourselves), and prayer. Traditionally Catholics have ‘given up’ something – in particular food they enjoy such as chocolate or coffee for the 40 days of Lent. While fasting is still a focus of Lent, another goal is to ‘take up’ something, such as doing extra acts of charity or engaging in prayer. These are not just external acts, but reflected as changes in the heart. Lent is a time of self -discipline, generous concern for those in need, and prayerful reflection as we prepare for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Mass:  If any families are able to come to Sunday Mass, please contact Mrs Beavan as the school is rostered on for reading and cleaning this weekend. Any children that would like to be trained as Altar Servers please contact Mrs Murray, as Father Namora is happy to complete some training to prepare the children. To be eligible for serving the children need to have received the sacrament of Communion.

Thank you to all the families for coming to celebrate our Opening School Mass today. It was wonderful to share this special time with you. Congratulations to our Year 6 Leaders who are already showing their commitment to leadership in our school and leading us beautifully today. It was delightful to see Mason and the Kindergarten children standing confidently to receive their ‘Welcome’ certificates. Father George complimented the children on their reverent participation during Mass and for their wonderful singing and reading skills. He loves coming to celebrate Mass in Adelong and joining our supportive parent and parish community. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead with all the students at St Joseph’s as we live out the Gospel message from today’s Mass: ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’.