Family Connection
Jesus’ parables in this week’s Gospel are a reminder of the importance of continued learning, prayer and reflection, and humility in our discipleship. We shine God’s light in the world when we are “lit from within” with God’s grace, willing to examine our own conscience and recognise our own need for transformation through Jesus. As busy parents responsible for our children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, you may sometimes be challenged to find time and energy to care for yourselves and attend to your own spiritual growth. Yet doing so can improve your family relationships and help you to guide your children in their faith. We can be reminded of the simple safety instruction we hear when flying: to put on our own “spiritual” oxygen mask before helping others.

Gather as a family and spend some time discussing ideas about what it means to be a good disciple. What do we need to learn? How are we to act? How do we treat others? Read aloud Sunday’s Gospel, Luke 6:39–45. Discuss what Jesus means when he asks, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Talk about how we might be tempted to focus on one another’s shortcomings without noticing our own and how this might lead to conflict. Point out that part of being a good disciple is focusing on our own behaviour. As a family, share ideas for responding as a disciple when you are upset with another family member’s words or actions. (For example, taking a cooling off break before talking to the person or praying for help to see if our actions contributed to the conflict and we need to apologise.) Pray that you will grow together in your discipleship and then pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This is a period of preparation in the Church’s Liturgical Year that orients the community towards Holy Week and the Season of Easter. It’s a time for Catholics to slow down their lives and focus on prayer, fasting and good works. During Lent, students are invited to give up or take up something that will benefit the lives of and positively enhance their relationships. We invite students to make age-appropriate decisions; this could be emptying the dishwasher (without complaint or without being asked!) or reducing time spent playing video games.

Next Wednesday, all classes will celebrate an Ash Wednesday Liturgy in their classrooms. Teachers will lead the students in prayer and reflection, administering ashes to each student.

Project Compassion
The Season of Lent 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 alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice. Each year we raise student awareness of people around the world who need support and encourage giving to this cause. Your child can take donations to school at any time throughout Lent and place it in the donation box in their class.

Daniel Hunt

Religous Education Co-ordinator (Acting)