CBC Fremantle celebrated a very different Ash Wednesday this morning to mark the beginning of the season of Lent.
With COVID-19 restrictions still limiting large gatherings, this morning’s Liturgy was attended by student representatives from each Mentor group, along with some staff and families, with most of the student population watching the celebration via livestream in their classrooms.
The stream was expertly managed by students from the College’s Literature and Media programme, who have honed their skills on screens big and small over the last two years.
After Marcus Hayden (Year 12) presented Acknowledgement of Country, CBC's Head of Religious Education, Mr Daniel Bateman, urged the community to consider the Liturgy’s central theme: ‘there is more I could be’.
In his Homily, College Chaplain and Rector of St Patrick’s Basilica, Fr John Sebastian encouraged the community to see the Lenten season as an opportunity for reflection.
“This season is a beautiful season where we really need to stop for a while and think about the way we live our lives,” he said.”
He urged the community to ask themselves three questions.
“Is my life really a meaningful one?,” he asked.
“Am I leading a life that is really pleasing God?
“Am I really making progress in the Gospel message that I really try to live out in my life?”
After the ashes were blessed, a representative from each Mentor Group collected a small bowl for their class, taking it to their Mentor Room to be distributed among students.
While the ash is usually used to mark Catholics’ foreheads, this year the Church directed for the blessing to be sprinkled over each person’s head with the words 'repent and believe in the Gospel'.
This morning also marked the launch of the College’s Project Compassion campaign, which raises money for CARITAS.
In closing the celebration, Principal Mr Domenic Burgio urged each student to reflect on how they can grow through sacrifice this Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday is an important date for Catholics around the world, and holds special significance at CBC Fremantle. The Lenten season encourages boys to develop to key qualities: recognising and valuing the 'other' and being selfless. The season also promotes the practical application of EREA's Touchstones, particularly Justice and Solidarity.
