I read recently that we too often pray to God to tweak our lives to make them better when in fact we should be asking for God to transform us, an interesting idea from the Dynamic Catholics website.  I have heard lots of children including my own talking about what they will ‘give up’ this lent.  The challenge is in ‘What will I do differently this lent to transform my life and those of the people around me?’ 

Heavenly Father, 

As I enter another week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you.  

Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins. 

As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart. Give me rest in you. 

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment. 

Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you. 

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent. 

In your name I pray, 
Amen. 

LA RE Congress 

As you read this, I am unpacking my bag in Los Angeles as I prepare to attend the LA RECongress with a group of APRE’s with Toowoomba Catholic Schools. To say I am excited about this experience is an understatement.  RECongress is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world. The four-day event is held at the Anaheim (Calif.) Convention Centre and is sponsored by the Los Angeles Office of Religious Education. Begun in 1968 as an "institute" for religious education (CCD) teachers, RECongress has grown to include people of all vocations and different faiths. In 2019 the theme is “Thirsting for Justice” and it is open to adults and young adults and offers more than 200 speakers presenting over 300 workshops, in addition to lunchtime entertainment, evening concerts, 16 Liturgies.  In 2018, 36000 people attended this Congress.  I look forward to sharing this experience with you when I return. 

Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education