This week we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This day begins the forty day season of Lent that leads to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, we come together to remind ourselves that we don’t always follow God’s ways. On these occasions we need to ask God for His mercy and forgiveness. Like God’s people in the time of the prophets, we wear ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, and to have a change of heart, so that we can live in the right relationship with God and with each other. For Catholics, Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting and abstaining from meat. Fasting reminds us that food alone cannot make us happy. We must also be fed with prayer, with God’s Word and by meeting Jesus in the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.

As Catholics, it is important to reflect on what Lent means to us in our relationship with God. It is a time to cut out the background noise of life and listen to God’s voice and turn our hearts and minds in the right direction. The small sacrifices we make during Lent make room in our hearts to welcome the risen Jesus at Easter. Please take some time to talk with your children about the meaning of Lent and discuss together what could be a meaningful sacrifice for this time. May we become more aware of the impact of our choices on ourselves, on others and on our world.

May you and your family have a blessed Lent.

Maria Debrincat
Religious Education & Pastoral Care Coordinator