Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is one of the most important holy days in the liturgical calendar, marking the beginning of the Season of Lent, a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday and comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head, which symbolise the dust from which God made us. Ashes also symbolise grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.

How can we explain this to our children?

• Explain to them the seasonal significance of Lent. Lent is a time when we practice new ways of giving up sin and doing good so we can be closer to God.
• Prepare them for receiving the Ashes at Mass. Children are very literal and without explanation may think that we are simply wiping dirt on their heads!
• Continue the conversation. Talk about the traditional practices of Lent, drawn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, are almsgiving (Matthew 6:2–4), prayer (Matthew 6:5–15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16–18).

Next week each family will receive a handout with Lenten activities for children. We encourage all families to engage in these throughout the Lenten season in preparation for Christ’s Resurrection.

Ash Wednesday Mass

Thank you to all our families that attended our Opening School Mass. It was lovely to be gathered as a school community once again.

Next Wednesday, 17^th February 12.30pm, Year 1/2 Blue will be leading the parish in Ash Wednesday Mass. All families are warmly invited to join us in this liturgical celebration. Please ensure that you sign in on arrival and adhere to appropriate hygiene and social distancing protocols.

Mini Vinnies
Our St Benedict’s Mini Vinnies K-6 Program will commence this term. Mini Vinnies is a social justice program of the St Vincent de Paul Society which exists in many primary schools. Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. They meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society. The Mini Vinnies model of “See, Think, Do” is a great way to get young people thinking and talking about their spirituality and to connect their faith with issues affecting their community through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising. Not only do the students in Mini Vinnies benefit from the experience but also the school and wider community.

A permission note for our St Benedict’s K-6 Mini Vinnies program was sent home last week. Thank you to those students who have already signed up to the program.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:
Natalie Wright
Religious Education Coordinator
natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au

Important Mini Vinnies Dates:
Friday 19^th February 2.30pm
Our Mini Vinnies will be formally commissioned next week at our school assembly. All families are welcome to join us in supporting these students as they make their Mini Vinnies promise.

Thursday 11^th March 2.10-3.00pm.
Students will participate in a Social Justice Workshop at school run by our St Vincent de Paul Youth School Liaison Officer. This workshop will be an introduction to current social justice issues that face our local community through the lens of the Catholic Social Teaching.

Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station
The St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol is in need of mini toiletries (hotel size is perfect) to re-stock their hygiene packs to be distributed to the people who approach the van. We invite all families to make regular donations to the Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station in the Front Office.  This is one way our school community can help teach our children about human dignity and how we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to look after their body.

Items that can be donated are

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Moisturisers
• Combs/hair brushes
• Sunscreen
• Tissue packs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap/body wash
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Mouth wash
• Lip balm
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer
• Masks