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Mission News: Week 2, Term 1, 2021

Lent—A Time for True Prayer

Ash Wednesday (Year B)
“But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Matthew 6:6

 Next Wednesday the 17th of February marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. This is a time when we consider the life that we’re leading and contemplate how to improve it with God’s grace. There are three key ways that the Gospel suggests that we can do this: through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These simple but practical ways of giving oneself, leads us to consider the example of Jesus in our lives and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for us. We pray that we may use His example in attempting to aspire for a life that walks in the light of Christ and leads us to have fellowship with one another.

“God is not just a God who is “out there” far away in Heaven. He is a God Who is closer and more intimate than we could ever imagine. Lent is a time, more than any other time of the year, when we must strive to make that journey inward so as to discover the Indwelling of the Most Holy Trinity.

What does God want of you this Lent? It’s easy to begin Lent with more superficial commitments, such as giving up a favourite food or doing an extra good deed. Some choose to use Lent as a time to get in better physical shape, and others decide to dedicate more time to spiritual reading or other holy exercises. All of this is good and useful. But you can be certain that the deepest desire of our Lord for you this Lent is that you pray.

As we begin the holy season of Lent, reflect upon your practice of prayer. Commit yourself to the discovery of God in prayer. There is no limit and no end to the depth to which God wants to draw you through prayer. True prayer is never boring. When you discover true prayer, you discover the infinite mystery of God. And this discovery is more glorious than anything you could ever imagine in life.” https://mycatholic.life/upcoming-reflections/lent-reflections-2021/week-of-ash-wednesday-2021/

I pray that all who read this may be prepared and ready for Lent to make positive change in their lives and in others.

My divine Lord, I give myself to You this Lent. Draw me in so that I may come to know You more. Reveal to me Your divine presence, dwelling deep within me, calling me to Yourself. May this Lent, dear Lord, be glorious as I strengthen my love and devotion through the discovery of the gift of true prayer. Jesus, I trust in You.

Blessed Edmund Rice…Pray for Us
Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

WALK IN THE SPIRIT – ARCHBISHOP’S 2021 LENTEN RENEWAL EXPERIENCE:

18 February –25 March, Thursdays 7.30pm – 9pm. Led by Archbishop Prowse, the renewal experience involves livestreamed teaching, prayer, discussion, community hubs, and Encounter Nights. Walk in the Spirit is open to all desiring a new Lenten renewal experience. Registration and further information is available at https://cgcatholic.org.au/walk-in-the-spirit/.

COMFORT LENTEN PROGRAM 2021 BOOKLET—available for sale at the Cathedral and St Peter Chanel’s. Each booklet is $8.00. Please place payment in the envelope provided or pay online: https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/sccp, selecting DONATION and type ‘LENTEN BOOK” in the REASON FOR DONATION.

Canberra Catholic Bookshop – We have an extensive range of Sacramental & Religious Gifts, Books, Music & Church Supplies. You are always welcome: Opening Hours—Monday – Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm; Saturday 9 am – 1 pm. Ph: 62399888, Ground floor, St Christopher’s Pastoral Centre, 55 Franklin Street, Forrest.

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION IN LENT
7.15pm each Tuesday for 1 hr, from 23 February for 5 successive Tuesdays, St Peter Chanel’s Parish room, Yarralumla. The key to understanding the simplicity of Christian Meditation is within Psalm 46 – “Be still and know that I am God”.
An opportunity to experience this prayer practice, learn about its origins & discover its relevance as a form of prayer for the contemporary world. No cost, no RSVP required, just turn up.
(wccmaustralia.org.au). Enquire: Rod or Susan: 0401 731 918

Michael Monagle
Assistant Principal – Mission and Identity

Christus Lux Mea