Dear Families,

Last week was the beginning of the Lenten season. As Jesus went into the desert for forty days and nights we to go into “the desert” during Lent for forty days and nights preparing our hearts for Easter.

As children many of us were taught to “give up something” during lent as a mean of doing penance. Last week, my kids were asking each other “What are you giving up?” at the dinner table. I told them the purpose of Lent is to strengthen our faith and devotions and be stronger in them at Easter than when we start on Ash Wednesday. To do this we pray, fast, and give alms or in other words give more time to God, abstain from something we like as a sacrifice, and perform acts of mercy towards others.

This Lent students will be praying, fasting, and giving alms at school as well. Their prayers will include meditating on the passion of Our Lord during the Stations of the Cross every Friday. They will “fast” by “giving up” small pleasures and they will give alms by collecting school supplies to help a less fortunate school.

If you want more information about Lent or are looking for some family ideas, I found some Lenten ideas at www.americancatholic.org; www.catholicmom.com; and www.catholicblogs.com/search/lenten_ideas.

If you have Lenten family traditions or please feel free to respond to this e-newsletter.

I hope you and your family have a holy Lenten season.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

David A. Thibault

Headmaster