The season of Lent begins

This week, we celebrate Ash Wednesday and so begin the liturgical season of Lent.

In the Christian tradition, Lent is a time when our focus turns to more simple living and a more concentrated focus on prayer, self-examination, and fasting in preparation for Easter. It is a penitential time that allows us to be freer to experience the joy of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter.

These outward signs of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are a way to help us deepen our awareness of God. They enable us to step back from our usual habits and distractions and give particular attention to God. An outward restraint can be a sign and symbol of an inner attention, and some help towards it.

This Lent, we invite you to join us across all our campuses for liturgical moments, rituals, celebrations, and events that will help us to enter more fully into this penitential season.

Ballarat:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of Ashes at 12pm, St Thomas Aquinas Chapel.
• Wednesday 27 March: Easter egg hunt and BBQ 5pm start. All staff, students and families are welcome to join a celebration in anticipation of the Easter season.
• Ballarat Campus Lenten appeal in partnership with the St Vinnies Winter Appeal, providing food to those who need it most. All non-perishable food items are greatly welcomed and may be dropped off to the Campus Ministry office or the Carn Brea Staff Room between 14 February – 28 March.

Blacktown:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of Ashes at 10am, St Josephine Bakhita Chapel, Ground Floor.
• Blacktown Campus Lenten Appeal in partnership with The Missionaries of Charity, often referred to as the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The community is dedicated totally to the service of the poor and would like to receive winter clothing donations for the large number of neighbours requiring support during colder months. Items such as warm winter clothing and accessories are welcome. Please bring your donation to the staff kitchen on level five between 14 February – 28 March.

Brisbane:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of Ashes at 12pm, Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
• Brisbane Campus Lenten Appeal in partnership with the Emmanuel City Mission, a homeless shelter in South Brisbane. Donations of non-perishable pantry items, simple clothing items (thongs in all sizes, shorts, tee shirts, men’s tracksuit pants), and basic toiletries and hygiene supplies (such as hairbrushes, towels, razors, body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant) are welcome. These items can be dropped to either Colleen Tracey’s office or the Campus Ministry Lounge between 14 February – 28 March.
• In collaboration with the Holy Spirit Seminary, Campus Ministry will be celebrating Holy Thursday Evening Mass, Good Friday Service and Holy Saturday Vigil Mass on campus. All staff, students and community members are welcome. For details email Colleen Tracey.

Canberra:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes at 12pm, Signadou Chapel.
• Canberra Campus Lenten Appeal: Campus Ministry will be collecting donations of winter clothing for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Warm clothing items (in clean and good condition) can be dropped to the Campus Ministry Lounge (301.1.08) or Blackfriars Concierge between 14 February - 28 March and will be distributed to Vinnies after Easter.
• Tuesday 27 March: following mass 12.30pm-1pm all are welcome to gather in Signadou Chapel for a time of guided prayer leading into Holy Week.

Melbourne:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass and distribution of ashes at 12pm, campus chapel
• Tuesdays at 1pm: ‘Lent Through Art,’ Join weekly group for reflection. Email Jeremy Ambrose for more information.
• Melbourne Campus Lenten Appeal in partnership with the Capuchin Friars collecting and distributing winter clothing for the homeless. Warm clothing items can be dropped to the Campus Ministry Lounge at any point between 14 February – 28 March.

North Sydney:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of ashes at 12pm, John Fahey Memorial Chapel of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom.
• North Sydney Campus Lenten Appeal in partnership with The Missionaries of Charity, often referred to as the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The community is dedicated totally to the service of the poor and would like to receive winter clothing donations for the large number of neighbours requiring support during colder months. Items such as warm winter clothing and accessories are welcome. These items can be dropped off at Christine Hann’s office (Room 14.10 Level 14 Tenison Woods House), between 14 February – 28 March. Please email Christine Hann with any queries.

Strathfield:

• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass with distribution of Ashes at 12pm, Barron Memorial Chapel.
• Strathfield Campus Lenten Appeal in partnership with The Missionaries of Charity, often referred to as the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The community is dedicated totally to the service of the poor and would like to receive winter clothing donations for the large number of neighbours requiring support during colder months. Items such as warm winter clothing and accessories are welcome. These items can be dropped off at Christine Hann’s office (Building 600.1.01) between 14 February – 28 March. Please email Christine Hann with any queries.