Lenten Message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education

Posted On Wednesday February 22, 2023

Today we embark on the Liturgical season of Lent marked by the distribution of ashes to remind us of the Gospel and our call to turn away from sin. Lent is a period of 40 days of repentance and preparation leading up to the most holy time of year, culminating in the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.

During Lent, we are called upon to pray, fast, reflect and give to others. We may consider giving up something that takes us away from God, adding daily prayer or reflection to deepen our faith, or helping others, to bring us closer to Jesus the servant. We hope that you will find time during this Lenten season to renew your relationship with God.

In his Message for Lent 2023, Pope Francis highlights the relationship between the Lenten journey and the synodal journey, which are both rooted in tradition and open to newness. Pope Francis says, “We need to listen to Jesus…Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to him as he speaks to us.”

Pope Francis also encourages us to continue to listen to those around us, by saying, “In addition to the Scriptures, the Lord speaks to us through our brothers and sisters, especially in the faces and the stories of those who are in need.”

Pope Francis’ messaging connects to the Durham Catholic District School Board’s 2022-2023 spiritual theme, Listening with the Ear of the Heart. We encourage you to continue to reflect on to whom we listen, to what we listen, and to how we listen during this holy Lenten season. 

The season of Lent provides us an opportunity for quiet growth and learning which can help us to nurture our faith and live a more Christ-filled life. As a Catholic learning community, we welcome all students, staff, and families to embrace the next 40 days with an open heart, mind, and spirit as we take this opportunity to strengthen our connection to our faith, through our values and our actions, to make the world a better place. 

We wish you a blessed Lenten season filled with the opportunity to strengthen your personal connection with Christ.

Yours in Faith,

 

Monique Forster                  Tracy Barill
Chair of the Board               Director of Education