Religious Education in Del Monte

The Season of Lent

Holy God, you are good and loving.
As we celebrate Ash Wednesday,
we pray that during this time of Lent.
we will try to turn our hearts in love and kindness to you,
by doing good to those around us,
so, that we may become more like Jesus, your Son.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

Last week, the Del Monte students participated in a liturgy to mark Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins our 40-day season of Lent that leads to Easter. 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 God for His 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 right relationship with God and each other. 

Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

Rosary during Lent

As part of our Lenten journey, we warmly invite students to join us in praying the Rosary on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8:20am to 8:30am in the Del Monte Chapel. This is a beautiful way to begin the day in quiet reflection and to draw closer to God during this sacred season. All students are welcome, and parents are encouraged to join us in this peaceful time of prayer.

Meditation during Lent

As part of our Lenten journey, we warmly invite students to join us for Meditation on Friday mornings at 8:30am with Sr Jill in the Del Monte Chapel. This is another beautiful way to begin the day in quiet reflection and to draw closer to God during this sacred season. All students are welcome, and parents are encouraged to join us.

Project Compassion 2026

The theme of Project Compassion 2026 is ‘Unite Against Poverty’ and calls us to recognise that overcoming poverty requires collective action and shared commitment. It reminds us that when we stand together, we can create lasting change that uplifts individuals, families and communities. This theme invites us to work in solidarity to address the root causes of poverty and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are encouraged to put our compassion into action this Lent through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations, or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au

Accepting the invitation

This year, our College theme Accept the Invitation encourages us to respond with compassion, kindness and a willingness to act for others. This was beautifully evident during our recent Love Week Assembly, where students reflected on the life of St Martin de Porres, a powerful example of humility, service and care for those in need. We invite families to continue supporting this message at home by encouraging children to look for simple ways to help others and by modelling everyday acts of generosity. Together, we strengthen a community where every person feels valued and supported.

Tina Nicotina
Religious Education Coordinator P–6