Reminder – Ash Wednesday

Letter from the REC – Note expressions of interest closes Monday 12.00 NOON – Please note on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent the Canteen will only serve vegetarian meals.

6 February 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent in the Church’s liturgical year. It is a day of solemn commemoration in which ashes are usually placed on foreheads as a sign of penance and desire to grow in holiness. It is an expectation of Sydney Catholic Schools that students are offered the opportunity to go ‘Back to Parish’, therefore there will be an altered start to the school day.

On Wednesday 18 February 2026, as part of our commemoration of this day, the College is offering students the opportunity to attend Mass at their local parish with their families. This is an occasion for families to begin Lent together and participate in their local parish community. There are a number of opportunities at the following local parishes:

  • St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield (9.15am)                   
  • St Charles Borromeo’s Parish, Ryde (9.20am)                      
  • St Gerard Majella’s Parish, Carlingford (9:30am)
  • St Kevin’s Parish, Eastwood (9:30am)
  • St Michael’s Parish, Meadowbank (9:15am)
  • St Therese’s Parish, Denistone (9:00am)     
  • Holy Spirit Parish, North Ryde (9:30am)

Students who wish to attend Mass at their parish should fill in this expression of interest form by Friday 13 February 3.00pm. Students who attend one of the above parishes will be transported back to school via bus. A teacher will supervise students on the buses the College provides. All students are expected to return to school for the commencement of Period 3 at 11.15am. 

For any student who does not attend Mass at their parish, there will be a Liturgy celebrated at the College, where the ashes will also be distributed. 

Students not attending their local Parish are required to be at school by 10.00am, with adjusted times as follows for the school day:

Limited supervision onsite from 9.00am

All students not attending their local parish to arrive for Homeroom at 10.00am

College Ash Wednesday Liturgy commences at 10.15am

            Normal timetable resumes at start of Period 3 11.15am

Please feel free to email me at colm.mccaughan@syd.catholic.edu.au if you require more information.

Kind regards

Colm McCaughan

Religious Education Coordinator