Dean of Identity | Mr Terry Thompson

The season of Lent

National Sorry Day

Last Saturday, 13 February, was the Anniversary of the National Apology. It was this day in 2008 when Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples acknowledging the stolen generations. It was hoped that this apology would help to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Students in Years 11 and 12 acknowledged this significant day during the week in reflection and prayer.

Old Boys’ Mass

Last Sunday, I was fortunate to attend the Gregory Terrace Old Boys’ Association Annual Mass. Led by Fr Michael Carroll, it proved to be a meaningful and important ritual to open the year for the Old Boys’ Association.

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday, the Terrace family came together in House groups to mark the beginning of the first day of the liturgical season of Lent, the celebration of Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a season of prayer, almsgiving and fasting. It takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday and comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting.  Students will continually be challenged on how they can practice these during the Lenten season.  Ash Wednesday is a time that reminds us that Jesus was sent by God into the desert to struggle, to be desperate, to be tempted, and to know the depths of sorrow and fear. It is one of the times that helped us know that Jesus was human - like you and me. Jesus experienced all the feelings we might experience if we went through challenges ourselves.

Lenten Prayer

God who sent Jesus into the unknown, you gather us as the Terrace family to listen to your Word. You sent your Son, Jesus, out by himself where he struggled and felt pain. He was tested by evil and chose your path of love and light.
May we, who seek to bring the best of ourselves to the fore, come to the story of wisdom you have provided. But first, may we be prepared to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel.
We ask that this prayer be heard through Jesus our brother, who walked in the desert so that we could come home to God.

Live Jesus in our Hearts … Forever

Next Week

Monday: 7 Windsor Camp + Retreat at Maroon (all week)
Tuesday: Magee House Mass – 7.45am (Chapel)
Sunday: Kairos 1 at Maroon commences