As a church school, we celebrate Lent in order to remind ourselves of the 40-day fasting period that Jesus went through before beginning his work for God. Jesus went into the desert to fast, and was tempted several times by Satan to break his fast, but he resisted. In order to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, Lent is a time that Christians give things up as a show of self-discipline.
At St Patrick's we truly value our Christian Distinctiveness and demonstrate this in our Christian values and Magnificent 7 each and every day. In our Collective Worship services held in Church, we travel Jesus’ journey through Lent, particularly reflecting upon Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the path was strewn with palm leaves, with Jesus saying ‘I come in peace’. At our Collective Worship service in Church on Wednesday 9 April, the children were each given a palm cross, which had been blessed by Revd Kathy Lloyd-Roberts just before the service commenced.
Whilst thinking about Lent, we always think about kindness, sharing, and think of all those who may struggle to put food on their table, worry about not being able to give their children that little treat at Easter and other times of the year. At St Patrick's Church we regularly donate to the foodbank, and throughout Lent, we are asking our congregation and community for donations of treats, such as Easter eggs, medium/large bars of chocolate, which can be added to bags given out to those in need in the lead up to Easter.
God of mercy, you love all that you have made. Help us to remember your love during this season of Lent. Help us to grow in love and kindness, and may we share your love with others. We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world during Lent, and pray that you will help us to support those in need. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
