Next week we celebrate Ash Wednesday at a whole school Mass at 11.40am in Summat. The celebration marks the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. One of the important moments in this Mass is the signing of the ashes on the foreheads of people, which is a reminder of the time Jesus entered the desert for 40 days to fast and to pray and is a time when we too are invited to pray, to change our hearts and to grow closer to God. Lent is a time when we can try harder to live just as Jesus taught us.
This year, in keep with Covid safe practices, the priest and other ministers will sanitise their hands and then sign the person, by sprinkling a small amount of ash on the person’s head.
One of the most popular readings for weddings is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It provides the guidance on how to build strong relationships between partners, and indeed in family life and school life. It reads:
‘Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.’
Let us pray: Teach us to follow, you Lord, and lead us on the right path.
Class Liturgy and Mass attendance:
In appreciation of the frustration Covid continues to create for us in placing restrictions on our activities, we have reviewed the previous decision to not allow family members to attend class liturgical events. We apologise for any confusion caused by previous communication with regards to this matter as we attempt to navigate and create a safe environment for our children, staff, and families.
The existing Chapel space can (Covid) legally hold up to 50 people, including students. Counting the class, Fr Jose and three staff, this generally adds up to around a total of 31 people, leaving 19 places for one family member for each child to attend.
The attendance will be on a first in basis and we will ask parents to email their class teacher and nominate that family member who will be attending. Once positions are filled then no more visitors can attend. I trust this is helpful in supporting families to celebrate these special occasions with children in our current social climate.