As it is Ash Wednesday today, the whole school will be attending mass  at 10am in St Bartholomew’s church. We will be walking to church with the assistance of parent helpers – a big thank you to our volunteers. We would be stuck without you!

Ash Wednesday is considered a day to cleanse the soul before Lent begins. Ashes are used to mark a cross on the foreheads of parishoners to symbolise repentance for sin. Palm crosses from the last Palm Sunday are burned and the ash is used to mark parishioners. This is a period of reflection and a time for fasting from food and festivities.

It symbolises the days which lead up to Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, when Christ spent 40 days and nights alone in the Judean Desert being tempted by Satan. Lent is traditionally marked with fasting, abstinence and prayer. Most people tend to give up something until Lent ends to “purify” their bodies. For children it could be something such as chocolate, sweets, television, tablets, laptops or certain toys, others use the time to volunteer at a charity or donate money to a good cause. Some people also think about this time in terms of carrying out ‘good deeds’ instead of giving something up… I know that in the past, children have told me that they help around the house, in the garden and consider vulnerable neighbours.

On annother note…A reminder to parents that the first session of Box Fitness after school club starts today. All children who handed in application forms are included in the club and in fact, limited spaces are still available. Please ask at the office if you require a form and Mrs Claire will be more than happy to help!

Mrs Bolland 🙂