During the final week of term, all year groups at St John’s Catholic Secondary School and Sixth Form came together to mark the beginning of Lent with meaningful Ash Wednesday liturgies. These reflective services offered students a moment of calm, focus and spiritual renewal as we entered this important season in the Church’s calendar.
Reflecting on Lent and Letting Our Light Shine
Throughout the liturgies, students were invited to reflect on:
- the significance of Lent
- how we can “let our light shine” through daily acts of kindness
- the importance of living with sincerity and integrity
- choosing goodness not for recognition, likes or applause, but from the heart
This gentle reminder of authentic goodness resonated deeply with our students, who engaged with maturity, stillness and respect throughout each service.
Receiving the Ashes
One of the most poignant moments of the liturgy was the receiving of ashes—a symbolic act of humility, reflection and renewal. Students approached this with reverence, demonstrating a thoughtful understanding of the season ahead and their role in shining God’s light in the world.
Thank You to Our Chaplain
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Chaplain, Emma, who led each liturgy with care, compassion and spiritual guidance. Her thoughtful approach helped create a peaceful atmosphere where students could pause, reflect and prepare for their Lenten journey.
Walking Together Through Lent
As we move through this sacred season, we hope our whole school community continues to embrace the themes of Lent: reflection, compassion, service and authentic goodness. May this time inspire us all to make small acts of love that shine brightly in our everyday lives.