It always surprises me how quickly February goes. This week we will begin the month of March, which will have many fun activities and events for our students.
In addition to fun, our students will be talking and participating in activities that will help them understand the importance of Lent in our Catholic faith. Lent is a time to understand the journey Jesus took for our salvation. Students will learn why we spend more time in prayer, what is means to fast, and giving more (alms).
As a child, we were probably told fasting meant to fast from something we enjoy - chocolate/candy, tv, buying junk/fast food, etc. But, it can be fasting from things that disrupt our peace or affect our soul - gossip, focusing on negatives in our own lives, greed, etc.
Remember prayer is not only saying our rote prayers we learned as children, but to spend time quietly with God. Fr. Matthew at St. Benedict's Parish mentioned at Mass last Sunday that prayer could be added in the most simple of ways, instead of listening to the radio in the car, spend the time in silence thinking about the help you need and saying thank you to God. Maybe listening to a faith podcast and reflecting on what you just heard and how it can help you grow. Or getting up early or staying up a little later and giving that time as quiet reflective moment with God. The greatest thing we can do is add more time quietly with God even though the hustle and bustle of our days can distract us.
Throughout the month of March, classrooms will be focusing on various Lenten projects. Our first one is to help the Community Lunch Program. Students will start by making paper placemats with inspiration messages. In a week or so, we will have a list of items that the program is in need of that we will collect. Other ways to give alms at home is to spring clean the house and donate extra or unwanted items. If you are sorting through your clothes, we have the St. Pauly Textile bin for your donations. Giving alms can also be your time and talent. Maybe donate your talent of singing or reading at Mass.
These are just a few ideas. Students will be coming home, if not already, with a calendar of family Lenten activities.
Not to add more, but to enhance your child's school experience this month; Mrs. Ciancaglini has put together a bingo board of activities to celebrate Music in our Schools Month. Our music program is one of the best in our Catholic schools.
And starting on Wednesday, we will begin our Read-a-thon fundraiser. This fundraiser is our last major fundraiser before the end of the school year. We are not counting books and pages read, but having students engage in reading a variety of stories and genres while completing activities to share their comprehension and learning through reading. More information about this fundraiser will be posted on our website and sent home on Wednesday.
I hope that you see excitement for Lent, music, and reading this month in your child/children.
