From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church ……

SHROVE TUESDAY – 4th March

Shrove Tuesday, the traditional feast day before the start of Lent, is also known as Pancake Day! The name comes from the old English custom of using up all the rich ingredients in the house, such as eggs and milk, before the fasting period of Lent begins. By mixing these with some flour, pancakes were the perfect solution to ensure nothing went to waste.

This year, our Marists in Action group, along with dedicated staff volunteers, came together to celebrate Shrove Tuesday during recess. We sold pikelets to raise funds for Caritas’ Project Compassion. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased a pikelet and supported this wonderful initiative. Your generosity helps make a difference!

Ms Laura Marshall

Youth Ministry Coordinator

ASH WEDNESDAY – 5th March

Ash Wednesday, preceded by Shrove Tuesday, is the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. It is our holy day of prayer and fasting. Last week our Marist Sisters’ Woolwich community gathered together in their House Groups to celebrate Ash Wednesday with a liturgy and distribution of Ashes.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head and symbolise the dust from which God made humanity. Following tradition, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told “Remember, You are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”  The ashes also symbolise grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God. Sin is human and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation is also human. Therefore, this is a universal invitation, not just one for Catholics…it is a way to acknowledge that we all make mistakes, do things we regret, and need to be reconciled with one another and with the God who blesses us with the fullness of life.

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented. While the ashes reflect penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those with repentant hearts. God’s Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance. 

Adapted, with additions from:  https://www.catholic.org/lent/ashwed.php

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