As the rain fell and the world seemed to be in turmoil, the St Francis community came together to remember those who are less fortunate or have been affected by the floods. We prayed in our classes, homerooms and at assemblies for all people in our world you need an extra thought of love and compassion. Shrove Tuesday was also celebrated, by donating a gold coin to our Project Compassion campaign and enjoying some yummy pikelets with maple syrup that were graciously served by our teachers who are part of the Social Justice Committee. 

As we begin the season of Lent, we as Catholics have been asked to pray for peace. Pope Francis in his Lenten address asks us all to “not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10). We are called during Lent to be co-workers with God, to pray, fast and give to those less fortunate. In current times, it is the important messages of faith, hope and love that keeps reminding us of the true meaning of the Lent, ‘goodness, together with love, justice, and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realised each and every day of our lives.’ During Lent, encourage your family and friends to simple acts of kindness and generosity. Here are some suggestions…

1. Greet people - a hello never goes astray  
2. Give thanks for the simple things we take for granted
3. Remind people how much you love them
4. Be attentive to those who need you, this includes being attention to your needs
5. Listen to each other's story, without prejudice, just with love and concern
6. Offer to help someone at work or school
7. Call out something that doesn’t sit right with you, we need to work for justice and peace in the world
8. Celebrate the qualities or successes of colleague or friend 
9. Select what you don't use and give it to those in need
10. Helping out at home or work when needed, so someone else gets some rest
11. Correct with love, do not keep quiet out of fear
12. Have a good chat with those who are close to you, sometimes we forget them
13. Share in a meal and offer a thought to those who have no food 
14. Help others overcome obstacles
15. Call or visit your parents/grandparents, if you're lucky enough to have them and make sure they know you love them 

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. To commemorate this occasion, students received a bookmark as a symbol of a “Covid safe” way of receiving ashes. These were created by the REIM team and student leaders. Students also took part in a class based liturgy to explore the ways they can pray, fast and give during the next 40 days leading up to Easter. On this day, the college also marked the launch of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.