In the season of Lent we are preparing ourselves for the celebration of the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ.  We are especially encouraged to pay more attention to how we pray, to do penance (especially fasting), and to do works of charity so that we can learn to better love God and our neighbour.  Discover here reflections and other materials to help you prepare this Lent.

Lenten Reflections

Every Wednesday and Sunday during Lent we hope to provide you with short reflections on different aspects of the Lenten journey.  Join us by following the link below.

In the words of Pope Francis

Ash Wednesday

​Ash Wednesday is the day on which Lent begins.
The period of 40 days leads to our celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.
The Catholic Church invites the faithful on a journey of:
  • Penance
  • Prayer
  • Almsgiving
"40" is a symbolic number that occurs frequently in the Bible e.g.:
  • Jesus spent 40 days (days of fasting and temptation) in the wilderness after his Baptism in the Jordan and before starting his preaching.
  • In the Old Testament, Noah spends 40 days and nights in the Ark,
  • Moses passes 40 days on Mount Sinai,
  • The people of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land,
  • the prophet Elijah journeyed for 40 days to reach Mount Horeb,
  • And God allows Nineveh 40 days to convert after Jonah's preaching.
This specific number of days reminds us that we are preparing for an “encounter” with God, for “the encounter”.  To prepare for this encounter which can transform our lives the Church gives us a specific sign, a symbolic act, which is the imposition of ashes on our heads.  This “rite” is accompanied by these words:
"Repent and believe the in the Gospel!"
Or
 "Remember that you are  dust, and to dust you shall return".
It is a simple but powerful ceremony as an important sign of conversion and interior renewal.
The journey of life, especially the Christian life is always characterised by the virtue of Hope.
The ashes remind us of our reality, the fleetingness of earthly life; and today, perhaps, more than ever...
Join us on the journey of Hope, turning back to the Lord with all our hearts and use the three pillars of Lent, prayer, fasting and almsgiving to help us stay faithful and focused as we prepare for Easter Day when we can proclaim with joy “He is Risen from the Dead, Alleluia, Alleluia”!

Lenten Resources

Discover here a selection of links to resources to help you on your Lenten journey from the Church, both locally and around the world.

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday during Lent, we will be broadcasting the Stations of the Cross for your devotion.  Follow the link below to find out more about this devotional practice and pray along with us.

Stations of the Cross for Kids

Based on a version of the Via Crucis used by Pope John Paul II at the Colosseum in Rome, this worksheet can be used to engage children in the Passion story. Working through each station, allow time for the children to reflect on each station and complete the ​activity. Say the prayer together before moving to the next station.