Lent Season

“You can do more with the grace of God than you think.”
(St. John Baptist de La Salle)

We will return from our mid-term break just as Christians around the world prepare to begin the season of Lent, the 40 days leading up to our celebration of Easter. Wednesday, 5th March, is Ash Wednesday, and on this day we mark our foreheads with the symbol of the Cross. I recall as a child the question most frequently asked at this time of the year was, “What are you giving up for Lent?” While the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting have value and are important, these days our students are also being asked to consider practices that positively contribute to their wellbeing, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

The example set by parents and teachers can make a big difference in determining how seriously our students approach the season of Lent. What good deeds, or what sacrifices can we make, not only for our good, but for the good of our families and our students. Even better if our Lenten resolutions lead to habits of spiritual wellbeing that extend beyond Easter!

One practice that you might consider is not only encouraging your daughters and sons to attend Mass on Wednesday morning, but joining them for Mass, as well. Mass is celebrated in the Chapel every Wednesday morning at 7:40 am.

This week our High School students reflected on many ways to support the wellbeing of ourselves and others. On Thursday, as we celebrated the dedication of the newly renovated Elementary School Library, I was reminded of the power of books and reading, including their ability to educate, inspire, and reveal to us people, places, and opportunities that we could never imagine otherwise. Books are a blessing, and reading can be a powerful tool in promoting our wellbeing at all levels. We are immensely grateful to our generous parent-donors and the EPSG, whose support made possible the beautiful transformation of the library.

May your Lenten resolutions of prayer, discipline, and good works contribute to your own wellbeing, as well as to the good of those around you.

ASH WEDNESDAY, 5th MARCH: All parents are invited to join their children for Mass at 7:40 am in the Chapel, which will include the distribution of ashes.