From The APRIM
Dear Families,
Lent is now upon us. We are encouraged to use this time to spring clean our hearts, to look at how we can make a difference in the world. During Lent, we are asked to pray, fast and give alms.
Pray
I am encouraging families to pray the ‘Our Father’ together throughout Lent. A child-friendly copy will be sent home for you this week.
Fast
In fasting we are denying ourselves while being in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who survive with so much less. Below are some ideas that may give you inspiration.
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ in them.
Fast from wanting more; feast on being thankful.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on enjoyment.
Fast from negatives; feast on positives.
Fast from stress; feast on prayer.
Fast from anger; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from fear; feast on truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from gossip; feast on silence.
Fast from fighting; feast on peace.
An adaptation from the poem “A Lenten Prayer” by William Arthur Ward (1921-1984)
Give alms
Every year, the Nativity school community supports Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This agency supports struggling communities to live a life of dignity, to become self-sufficient and break free of the cycle of poverty through projects such as training midwives, teaching sustainable agricultural practices and establishing water catchment areas.
This year, our students will be focussing on a different aspect through each of the weeks of Lent.
Last Week – During the Ash Wednesday Mass, we promised to support Project Compassion, sharing what we have so that every member of the human family lives in peace with a future in which to hope.
1st Week of Lent – ‘Something of Significance Day’
Each class is giving up something of significance for a day (E.g. electricity, toys, lights, recess) spending a day reflecting with gratitude for all that we have and acknowledging those around the world who have so much less.
2nd Week of Lent – Nativity Values
Each class will focus on one of the school values (belonging, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, courage and justice) and how these relate to our support of Project Compassion. The classes will present their thoughts at a special assembly on 22 March. All parents are invited to attend.
3rd Week of Lent – Simple Living Day
Students will have the opportunity to experience a lunch that would be a feast for some children in other countries. For a gold coin donation, students will be given a bread roll for lunch. We will enjoy the feast together. More details soon.
4th Week of Lent – Kindness Week
As well as showing kindness during Sports Day, students will be noticing acts of kindness and recording them on post-it notes. We are endeavouring to fill a picture frame with all the acts of kindness that we see, hear and experience throughout the year.
5th Week of Lent – Holy Week and Carnevale
All classes will present events of Holy Week throughout the week, specific dates will be published soon. On Wednesday 10 April, students have the opportunity of being involved in Carnevale. For $5, students can have 1 or 2 slices of pizza, a cake and participate in some fun games on the hard play. All proceeds will support Project Compassion.
As you can see, we have lots happening to help our students develop an understanding of not having more, but being more. I encourage all families to help their children learn to be a part of the change we want to see.
Blessings,
Sharyn Black
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
