Lent

We are now in the liturgical time of Lent.  This is a forty day period between Ash Wednesday till Easter originating from the forty days Jesus went into the desert.  Students have been learning about Lent in Religious lessons.  This is a time of preparation where we simplify and declutter our daily routine.  We include daily prayer and reflection, forgiveness of one another, fasting from food or limiting technology and social media and engaging in charitable works such as Project Compassion.

Last week we were fortunate to be represented by our Year 10 students Hayley Ainley, Evie Solomon, Bonnie McMaster and Kloe Scott in Newcastle when our Bishop Michael launched Lent and also Project Compassion for this year.  Thank you to Mrs Bernardette Boere for accompanying the students.

We celebrated Ash Wednesday with year group liturgies.  Thank you to our supporting senior leaders; Sienna Agnew, Hannah Dignam, Olivia Simshauser and Elise Miles and Deacon Vince Ryan who led the liturgy.

Additionally, we were fortunate to be inspired by the lived experience of Olivia Simshauser who spoke at our school assembly about her firsthand experience working and supporting disadvantaged people from Malawi.  This is one of the countries Project Compassion is supporting this year.

Olivia’s speech is included below and we are very grateful for this inspiring example.

‘As most of you are aware, this year as a school community we are taking part in project compassion to aid those less fortunate than us. This year one of the countries project compassion is supporting is Malawi, a country I have been lucky enough to visit and spend a month traveling in. I spent 6 years of my life living and exploring Africa and the country that left the most impact on me was Malawi. Although it is one of the poorest countries in the world the people of Malawi never failed to have a smile on their face and have such a strong sense of community and love for all those surrounding them. Malawi is currently facing many challenges such as extreme poverty, a hunger crisis, limited education and lack of healthcare. During my time in Malawi, I witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of those living there but I also saw the urgent need of assistance that project compassion can supply. By donating to project compassion, it would allow for us to make a significant impact in those who need it most and supply them with food, clean water, access to healthcare and education. These essential items that most of us take for granted everyday would make a significant impact on the community and bring a sense of hope and security to those living in Malawi. project compassions goal is to implement sustainable development projects that focus on education, healthcare and entrepreneurship and by supporting these initiatives we can empower the people of Malawi to become self-sufficient ad break free from the cycle of poverty they are stuck in . This year one of project compassion’s main goals is to help supply an education to those in need and train people like Memory to be carpenters who can build for their community.  during my time in Malawi, I had the privilege of traveling to various villages and visiting the schools that had been established through charity organizations. These schools provided education to children who would have otherwise never obtained one throughout their life, and I got to witness the joy and determination these children had to learn regardless of their living circumstances.my time in Malawi taught me a lot about compassion for all people and the need to help those around us, by donating to project compassion we can all make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and create a brighter future for Malawi . In religion classes over the next few weeks, you will learn more about memory and how our donations will help the people of Malawi. If you see donations near the canteen I encourage you to give just a little because if everyone gives just a little it adds up to change a life.’ 

Jason Koenig
Ministry Coordinator 

Mass Times

Forster-Tuncurry Catholic Parish 

Current Mass times are Saturday, 5 pm, Sunday 8 am and 10 am. 

Further updates can be viewed on the Forster-Tuncurry Parish Website:

Taree Catholic Parish

Saturday

4:00 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Reconciliation & Rosary
4:45 pm Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Wingham:  Mass
6:15 pm Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass

Sunday

9:30 am Our Lady of the Rosary, Taree:  Mass
7:30 am every 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month Our Lady of Fatima, Old Bar:  Mass
7:30 am every 2^nd Sunday of the month St Therese, Lansdowne:  Mass
7:30 am every 4^th and 5^th Sunday of the month Star of the Sea, Harrington:  Mass

Further updates can be viewed on the Taree Parish Website: