Lent is a sacred season of reflection, sacrifice and renewal in the Christian faith, and Catholic schools play a vital role in guiding students through this journey.
More than just a personal time of growth, Lent is an opportunity for families, schools and the wider community to come together in faith, love and service. It is a time when we walk hand in hand, nurturing the next generation with values that extend beyond learning spaces – compassion, kindness and a deep sense of moral purpose.
As Pope Francis reminds us: “Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing Him to make His dwelling among us.” (February, 2021).
In Catholic schools, this occurs through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and acts of service, all of which help our youth to further understand the power of love, the importance of sacrifice and the joy of giving.
Lent is a journey, and like all meaningful journeys it is best taken with others. Catholic school students are not only encouraged to grow individually in faith but are also reminded that they are part of a larger, loving community. Families, educators and parishes all play a role in guiding students through this season.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Lent in Catholic schools is the way prayer is meshed into daily routines. From morning reflections to special liturgies, students are invited to pause and turn their hearts towards God.
Some schools host community prayer gatherings, where parents and parish members join in Lenten devotions such as the Stations of the Cross. Some schools even create interactive Stations of the Cross, allowing students to physically walk through Jesus’ journey, making His sacrifice feel more personal.
In learning spaces, discussions on Gospel stories help students connect Jesus’ teachings to their own lives. Teachers and families work together to show how small acts of kindness and forgiveness reflect the very heart of Christ’s message.
Fasting is not just about giving something up – it’s about making space for what truly matters. Students in Catholic schools who choose to fast are encouraged to do so with an open heart, recognising that their voluntary sacrifices can help them grow in self-discipline, gratitude and love for others.
Schools often observe meatless Fridays, offering simple meals to help students reflect on those who experience hunger daily. Some communities take this a step further, inviting families to participate in a shared Lenten meal, where students, parents and teachers come together for a humble yet meaningful gathering. These experiences teach children that fasting is not just about personal sacrifice but about deepening our empathy for others.
The Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, has previously highlighted that fasting during Lent should focus on fostering humility, inclusivity, compassion and powerlessness.
Lent calls us to turn outward, to recognise the needs of others and to respond with generosity. In partnership with families and parishes, Catholic schools create numerous opportunities for students to experience the joy of giving.
Many schools participate in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, a Lenten fundraising initiative that supports vulnerable communities around the world. But almsgiving is not just about financial donations – it’s about giving from the heart. Schools sometimes organise visits to local aged care homes, food banks and shelters, allowing students to witness the impact of their kindness firsthand.
Lent is a time of renewal, and Catholic schools ensure that students have the opportunity to experience the grace of reconciliation. Many schools organise Lenten reconciliation opportunities, where local clergy visit to hear confessions and offer spiritual guidance.
Schools always strive to encourage personal reflection through quiet prayer spaces, reflection days, and opportunities for students to express their thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
As Jesus taught: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). By fostering a spirit of reconciliation, students understand that forgiveness is not just something we receive, but something we must also extend to others.
As Lent comes to a close, the community comes together in celebration. Holy Week is a time of profound reflection, marked by school-wide liturgies. This year, schools will facilitate these liturgies in the final week of the term, as Holy Week occurs during the school holidays.
These moments remind us that after every challenge, after every sacrifice, there is renewal. Easter is a promise of new beginnings – not just for students, but for the entire Catholic community.
The season of Lent is more than a tradition; it is a sacred journey that Catholic schools, families and the broader community walk together. Through prayer, sacrifice, service and reconciliation, students learn what it means to live a life centred in faith and love.
As we prepare for Easter, let us embrace this time of renewal as a shared experience, supporting one another in faith and fostering a spirit of unity and compassion. In doing so, we build a community where love, generosity and hope flourish long after the Easter season has passed by.
Frank Chiment is the Acting Principal at St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens.
For more information about Catholic schools, find a school near you or visit Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
