Catholic schools mark the beginning of Lent

The sign of the cross in ash is a mark of sorrow and repentence for sin

Our Lady of the Rosary students prepared pancakes for the Prime Minister on Shrove Tuesday

Catholic schools across the diocese have marked the beginning of Lent with Shrove Tuesday pancakes and by attending Ash Wednesday masses and liturgies.

On Tuesday 21 February, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Marys had a special visit from the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard; Federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett MP and Federal Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury MP. Making pancakes for Shrove Tuesday, students served the Prime Minister and ministers pancakes, while they were talking to parents and teachers about the release of the Gonski review of school funding. 

On Wednesday 22 February, Ash Wednesday masses and liturgies were held in schools across the diocese and students and staff received the sign of the cross in ash on their foreheads, a mark of sorrow and repentance for sin.

At St Oliver’s Primary, Harris Park, students from Years 3 to 6 attended Ash Wednesday mass with the parish community celebrated by Fr Arthur Bridge.

Franca Bonserio, St Oliver’s Religious Education coordinator, said Lent is a time when we give of ourselves to others.

‘Through giving to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion Lenten appeal, it is an opportunity for students to open their hearts with love and hope to the needs of the world,’ said Franca. ‘Each class has a project compassion box in which students will be asked to donate and this year we will try and meet our goal of helping families in East Timor.’

Throughout Lent, Catholic schools in the Parramatta diocese support Project Compassion, the Lenten appeal of Caritas, the Catholic Church’s overseas aid and development agency. 

In 2012, Project Compassion carries the message: "If you want Peace, work for Justice" – Pope Paul VI. Caritas are asking people across Australia to help raise money and offer hope to the millions of families who fight for justice, peace and survival every single day and will be sharing stories from Timor Leste, the Thai-Burma border, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Peru and Indigenous Australia.

Donations to Project Compassion can be made by picking up a collection box at your parish, school or by calling 1800 024 413 or at www.caritas.org.au

Students and staff at Good Shepherd, Plumpton attended mass to mark Ash Wednesday

Years 3-4 St Oliver's students attended mass while K-2 students attended an Ash Wednesday Liturgy

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