Project Compassion
The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday, which also marked the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each class has received a Project Compassion box. Students will also engage in video clips each week on the  projects Caritas complete with the generous funds raised by Project Compassion.

Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

The Season of Lent
During lent we focus on our relationship with God and the important aspects of PRAYER, FASTING and ALMSGIVING.

Each morning at assembly the students of St Michael’s are saying extra prayers and are also encouraged to say extra prayers before going to bed or before meals each night as a family.

Fasting can be giving up something such as sweets, junk food or soft drink. Other items we can fast from could include the time spent using devices. Select an area in your house that is a device free zone and play a board game or read instead.

Almsgiving can be the donation of a few dollars towards Project Compassion. Perhaps donate clothes and toys to a local charity. The smallest gesture like a smile, spending time with someone or a kind word each day is another way to give during lent.

Catholic Schools Week
This week is Catholic Schools week and we celebrate all of the wonderful things students learn at our Catholic schools.

Students at St Michael’s were very lucky to watch a preview of the launch of Catholic Schools Week. They learnt about how the first Catholic school was founded in Parramatta. They also heard messages from different people about the connections of Catholic education in early settlement time. We heard from a sister of St Joseph who feels her strong connection to education and God through the works of St Mary MacKillop. 

On Wednesday morning students participated in a Liturgy to celebrate Catholic education in Australia.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The World day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement that is led by Christian women and men who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. World day of Prayer is celebrated on the first Friday of March each year and annually focuses on a different country. This year the theme is “Build on a Strong Foundation” and the country of focus is Vanuatu. This year with COVID restrictions students from our Liturgy group are not able to attend. Mr Tuckwell will represent our school in a Liturgy with members of our community.

MASS
Be assured that in the Parish, every precaution is being observed to ensure the safety of those who come to Mass: distancing is clearly marked in the Church and maintained during Mass; all of the liturgical restrictions are followed (Communion in the hand and no singing); the Church is cleaned after each Mass; registration of those who attend is carefully recorded; sanitising is practiced by all who enter the Church.  So, please, if you are well and able do not be hesitant about coming to Mass.