Lent is “a sacred time” for our hearts to be renewed and purified (Preface II of Lent). Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence when the blessed ashes are

placed on our foreheads as a sign of repentance. 

The Mass timetable for Ash Wednesday, 22 February is:

St Francis Xavier Cathedral

7am, 12.10pm & 6pm

St John Vianney Co-Cathedral

11am (includes Good Samaritan Parish School- parents and family warmly invited)

St Brigid’s Church

9.30am (includes St Brigid’s Parish School)

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat for everyone over 14 years of age, as well as days of fast for those bound to fast (one full meal and two small meals).

• All who completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
• Pastors, teachers, and parents are to ensure that even those who, by reason of their age, are not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence from meat, are taught the true meaning of penance.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday) is Tuesday 21 February. If you are free to volunteer and help cook some pancakes at school and serve at recess, please contact Natalie Shelley (Religious Education Coordinator).