RE NEWS

Lent - Project Compassion

The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. During Lent we experience a type of spiritual makeover. Personal pledges to forgo favourite foods, to

fast, to give to charity and to extend our prayer time are simple and effective ways to re orientate our hearts towards life and love.

On Ash Wednesday Years 3 to 6 celebrated a beautiful Mass with our parishioners. Our Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 classes attended a liturgy in the church and also received the ashes. All classes have been focusing on Lent in their RE units. Project Compassion boxes have been placed in all classes and students have been encouraged to contribute. 

On Tuesday, 21 February 2023, our school captains, Olivia and Lucas, accompanied Mr. Reardon and myself to the annual Caritas launch for Project Compassion. Following is their report on this experience:

‘As school captains of St Paul’s, we were invited to the Caritas Launch of Project Compassion for 2023. This launch was held in Corrimal and we travelled with Mr Reardon and Mrs Debrincat. When we arrived, we attended a liturgy with representatives from other schools around the Wollongong diocese. During the liturgy we received a Caritas mission box for our school. This mission box is a symbol of kindness and generosity. The funds we raise through this project, can help others and future generations.

During the liturgy we heard stories about different people that have been assisted by Caritas. For example, 16 year old Laxmi, who lives in one of the most remote areas in Nepal, lost her father at a young age. Caritas supported her. Laxmi now helps other children in her village. Thu from Vietnam was injured by a landmine. He was given support at the time of his injury and now cares for his wife who is very ill.

These stories are very inspiring. They tell us about people who have experienced hard times. The generosity of the Catholic community has helped to change their lives for the better.  This illustrates that kindness and generosity can make a life changing difference and creates a better future for coming generations.

After the liturgy we were lucky enough to receive a special morning tea. It was nice to meet other school representatives and share our faith. We enjoyed this experience and look forward to other opportunities like this.’

Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

Lent

Yesterday, the whole school celebrated with a liturgy in our beautiful church to reflect on Lent. Considering this was the first time our Kindergarten students had celebrated a Mass in the church as a whole school community, it was wonderful to witness their response and behaviour. Our choir led us with beautiful singing. Fr Victor led the liturgy. He spoke to the children about Lent as being an important time for us to follow our Catholic traditions of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. For the children, Fr Victor reinforced the importance of prayer and gave them some examples of different types of prayers. He spoke to them about holding hands with all those sitting around your dinner table as you say your prayer before the meal each night. What a wonderful practice to build into your family routines! Lent is a time for personal reflection as we find new opportunities to turn back to God.

On Friday, 17 March 2023, we look forward to celebrating St Patrick’s feast day. At 9am, the school will be celebrating with an assembly Prayer to remember St Patrick and the work that he did in the early Church.

Students may wear something green with their uniform on the day e.g. ribbon, socks, hat or glasses.

As part of our Lenten tradition of Almsgiving, we also ask that the students bring in a gold coin donation to place in their class Project Compassion Box. 

Funds raised will go to Caritas Australia. Caritas is an international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church. 

Please support Project Compassion to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity for vulnerable communities around the world.

Mrs Maria Debrincat
Religious Education Coordinator