Be More - Introduction to our CRC St Albans Lent Campaign

Pope Francis says, "Indifference to our neighbour and to God also represents a real temptation for us as Christians. Usually, when we are healthy and comfortable, we forget about others (something God the Father never does): we become unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they endure... As long as I am relatively healthy and comfortable, I don't think about those less well off because I don't ever feel like they do. Today, this selfishness by many has become the globalization of indifference. It is a problem Christians like us need to confront." (Lenten Message 2015)

Over the next five weeks Catholic Regional College St Albans will be participating in the  Lenten Project Compassion Campaign. Through our PC time we are exploring stories of hope in Bangladesh, the Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Indonesia. The PC time will focus on how we can BE MORE in enriching our connectedness as a global community- particularly during a time of global pandemic and social isolation. This year as a school we will travel the Lenten Journey together as we aspire to be more during this time of Lent. 

Each day will have a particular focus to help us come closer to God and to take time to Listen to the Cry of the Poor.

Be More Monday..Monday is an opportunity for each student to reflect on how they challenge themselves to be more Lent.

Tuesday We Listen to the Cry of the Poor - On Tuesday as a school community we will learn about communities around the world who have the greatest needs, through watching the Caritas Clips. After we hear these stories we can discuss questions related to each clip.

Wednesday Prayer - Traditionally Christians pray for themselves and others during this time of Lent. On Wednesday CRC St Albans will join in prayer for the people and communities you encounter through the Caritas stories about the poorest of the poor.

Thursday Almsgiving - Almsgiving is a sign of our care for others and an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us. Caring for others is part of many faiths. Almsgiving by Christians is illustrated in the Bible, in Acts 4:33--37. During Project Compassion you might reflect on the many ways in which we are privileged. Let's be courageous enough to make changes and go without during each week of Lent? Perhaps it's forgoing a few snacks, coffees... the many small luxuries we consume each week. We can place the money saved in our Project Compassion boxes.Your commitment to Project Compassion is your response to the call to BE MORE for social justice.

Friday Fasting - Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. It can be an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting can be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, and those who are in need for any reason. Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could seldom afford meat for their meals. On Fridays as a school community we will choose other ways to 'fast' such as social media.

Student Leader Initiatives

The first initiative undertaken by our Student Leaders, was an Ash Wednesday reflection which was then shared during online Pastoral Care. 

Traditionally on Shrove Tuesday the Social Justice Team commence their fundraising for Caritas by selling Pancakes. As a result of lockdown this event changed to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Challenge. Students and staff were invited to share images of the pancakes they created at home using ingredients in their cupboards. 

The Social Justice group raised funds for the St Paul's Catholic Church Childcare Centre in Damascus Syria, by selling roses on Valentines day. Students raised $104 dollars.

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

God of hope and compassion,

You remind us of the need to turn away from our own desires, and to care for our global family, particularly at a time that has seen great loss and suffering.

We pray that during this time of Lent, we may grow in understanding of the challenges faced by those who are marginalised and vulnerable in our world as we make a home for them in our hearts.

And as we see the challenges of others, may we too be challenged to 'Be More' as people who act when there is a need.

Be with us as we walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.

We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen

Jacinta Dykes, Faith Leader