Today is Ash Wednesday, a day that marks the beginning of Lent – a season in the Church year that focuses on reflection, prayer and service. The Church, from its earliest times, prepares for Easter by inviting all people to examine their hearts carefully by praying, fasting and almsgiving during Lent. Praying, fasting and almsgiving strengthen us spiritually. We commit to these actions so that we can be one with others, empty ourselves of things that are not necessary and make room for God. 

On Ash Wednesday, we come together like the people of the Old Testament to remind ourselves that we don’t always follow God’s ways and need to ask for 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 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 the Reconciliation and Eucharist. The small sacrifices we make during Lent make room in our hearts to welcome the risen Jesus at Easter.

During Lent, we pray for and help our brothers and sisters throughout the world who, because of poverty and injustice, do not have the opportunities we have. By giving generously through prayer, going without and showing kindness to others during Lent, we are working towards a fairer world for all.

200 Years – Faith in the Future of Catholic Education in Australia

This year marks the 200^th anniversary of Catholic Education in Australia. The first official school opened in October 1820 in Parramatta, where its role has been maintained in the area ever since. Over these 200 years, Catholic schools have educated millions of students across the country, providing a vital and valued place in our wider Australian communities. It is wonderful to know that St Joseph’s, our current and past students and families, all form a part of this rich history and I thank everyone for their commitment to our mission and efforts to educate in the Catholic tradition.

Going home with each student today is a prayer card to recognise this significant anniversary. I encourage families to take a moment to share this prayer and to perhaps look at the website https://200years.catholic.edu.au/ to find out a little more.

Next Wednesday, two student leaders and I will be attending a Mass at St Christopher’s to commemorate this 200^th Anniversary. The Mass will also be live-streamed if you would like to join this celebration - accessible online here .

Parent / Teacher Interviews

In Week 5, 1 – 5 March, we are holding Parent / Teacher interviews to allow a more formal opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and to discuss the year ahead. All parents are asked to use the link below to register a time to come into school and meet the teacher. Registrations will close 1 pm Friday 26 February.

PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEW BOOKING LINK

Car Park

It is timely to remind parents about the need to always practice great awareness and safety in and around our school, and in particular when using the car park. Please see the linked Car Park Guidelines.

Car Park Guidelines 2021

We also now have a red painted pedestrian/cycleway crossing at our car park entry. Please do not park across this painted red zone when waiting of an afternoon as it causes frustration with others using the path. Unfortunately, last week a member of the public using the path was sworn at by a parent after having it pointed out that they shouldn’t be parked across the red pedestrian crossing. Thank you for your ongoing assistance with making our shared zones as safe as possible.

Have a great end to the week.

Yours with Christ,

Cameron Tarrant