Chaplain’s Notes
Welcome To Our Faith Community
During the first weeks of term, the Year 7 students have gathered in the Chapel to contemplate the ways in which we celebrate in our lives. Parallel to our family and community celebrations, is the way which we at De La Salle, mark special moments in our College.
At key points we come together as a whole College in the Eucharist and this might be followed by a supper, Founder’s Day carnival, Valedictory Dinner, but first, we acknowledge, as our College motto says, that “God is our Leader”. In this light we have celebrated Eucharist with each Year 7 Homeroom in preparation for the formal welcoming Mass to be held next Wednesday at the Cathedral.
The Eucharist is the high point of our faith celebrations and our new students have all had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Mass, as a path that leads us to greater friendship with God and with each other.
We are grateful to Father John Sherman and Father Martin Tanti who celebrated these Masses and developed the students’ understanding of Eucharist.
Lent – Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, 6 March, marks the beginning of the Lenten season. We mark the beginning of this journey by an outward symbol when each student’s head is signed with Ashes in a Homeroom Liturgy – Ashes are an ancient symbol of repentance and humility.
Lent is not just a “Catholic” time. It is a concept that is practised by many religions and also non-religious groups. It has its foundation in the wisdom of ancient Jewish tradition.
There is something universal that goes beyond all dogma, which embraces our collective need to be reflective and transformative as persons on this Earth. In essence, Lent is saying – take time out to think about your life
- Practice self-discipline
- Think about the needs of others.
- Take action to serve.
Each of these concepts is universal and goes to the core of our humanity.
The real goal of Lent – is Conversion. The aspiration for each of us is to come to the end of our six weeks a stronger and more vital person.
Mrs Joan Ferguson
College Chaplain