Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of prayer, almsgiving and fasting. This holy day is observed by Catholics as well as other Christians around the world. During Mass a cross is marked on peoples’ foreheads using the blessed ashes from the burned Palm Sunday branches from the previous year. Everyone is welcome, no matter their faith to receive the blessed ashes. This cross signed in ash on foreheads reminds people of their mortality and symbolizes the dust from which God made us. Ash Wednesday marks the start of our 40 day Lenten Journey. The time during Lent prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Project Compassion

The beginning of Lent also marks 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 end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Every dollar raised, helps change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The theme of Project Compassion 2024 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good we do today extends to impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.  We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent by almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. This week each family will receive a Project Compassion money box for their donations or you can donate online via the St Michael’s Kaleen Caritas Australia website at:

https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-michaels-primary-school-kaleen

Thank you in advance for your generosity.