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Dear families,
Today we gathered for an All School Mass hosted by our 6th grade class for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Yesterday morning at assembly, Fr. Joseph led us in the Burning of the Palms, a sacred ritual that produces the ashes we received at Mass today on our foreheads as a sign of our faith. Lent is the six week period that precedes Easter, and is characterized by three practices– fasting/sacrificing, praying, and almsgiving/charity. Lent lasts for forty days, not including Sundays, because it reflects the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert before he faced his crucifixion.
During Lent, Religion classes and lessons will help students focus on how they can sacrifice, pray, and give in order to truly use the time to strengthen their relationship with God in preparation for the celebration of Easter and the Resurrection. The Lenten promises we choose to practice should help us draw closer to God. My prayer is that we all become happier and more generous as we are filled with His peace and Spirit.
Our annual Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl project begins today! "(CRS) is the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Through CRS Rice Bowl, faith communities in dioceses throughout the United States put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 100 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in our local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised more than $320 million!”(crsricebowl.org)
Your Rice Bowl can be used in a variety of ways. As a family you can decide how to donate. We will collect your donations during Holy Week, April 3-6. We appreciate it greatly if you can write a check in the amount of your donation.
Also during Lent, students in grades 3-8 will have an opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday, March 17th. During Holy Week, all students will participate in The Stations of the Cross, Tenebrae, and a Passover Meal.
May we all use this Lenten season to bring us closer to God by following Jesus in sacrifice, prayer, and charity.
Peace & blessings,
Ms. Thomas
Focus on HOPE: “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114
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