Education in Faith
This week the gospel tells the story about the very first Lent. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit. While Jesus was there he was tempted by the devil three times. Jesus was totally committed to God and stayed strong in his conviction to fast and pray. This is the real purpose of the Lenten season - to think about Jesus' place in our lives. It is important to understand that it is not wrong to be tempted, it is only wrong if we readily give into those temptations. Lent is a perfect time to take stock of our temptations, the things that we struggle with, to make a renewed effort to be strong with the help of God. Remember that Lent is not just about giving up the things that we enjoy for 40 days but it is about choosing to do something positive: maybe to help other people, make a donation to a charity instead of buying a coffee, sharing a story from the bible with your children. Whatever you decide to do should make a change in our lives and help us become more God-centred. Encourage your children to think of a plan for Lent - they may choose to help more at home, donate their icy-pole money to Project Compassion for a day, invite a child on the playground to join in with their game or remember to be polite. Enjoy this time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Welcoming the Lenten Season
Last week we celebrated the arrival of Lent with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
Shrove Tuesday is traditionally known as the day when people used up the “rich foods” that they had in the house by making pancakes before the period of fasting began. Throughout the school there was the beautiful smell of pancakes as the LSO staff busily cooked up enough pancakes to feed us all. A big shoutout to “The Source Bulk Foods” for the donation of the amazing pancake mixture.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. During the very first Lent, Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert fasting and praying. On Ash Wednesday all children in Grade 1 - 6 participated in a class liturgy. The children prayed together, sang songs and received ashes scattered on their heads. Together we were able to reflect on the new season of the Church year and think about what we can do during this time to prepare for Easter.
