Students welcome Lenten Season by giving back

Students at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church and School welcomed the start of the Lenten Season Wednesday , by taking on a project to help those in need.

Christians around the world mark the start of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday . Religious services are held, in which the faithful are marked with ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. It’s a sign reminding faithful of their mortality and an invitation to turn to God. During Lent, faithful are encouraged to pray, fast and give alms as they prepare for Easter. It’s a time for the faithful to grow closer to God.

At Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, hundreds attended the 8am Mass and received ashes.

Afterward, students and faculty began assembling approximately 600 “compassion bags.” The project is part of the school’s effort to support Pope Francis’ call to action for this “Year of Mercy” to engage and support the community, especially those in need.

The compassion bags were filled with baby wipes, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, lip balm, socks, gloves, water bottles and granola bars. School families and faculty donated the items for the kits which will then be provided to the families to deliver to those in the community who need them.

“Here at Divine Redeemer we are always looking for ways to challenge our students to live their faith,” said Principal Marjie Weldele. “This project is a great way to do so through the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and clothe the naked. I am so proud of our students and school family as they rallied to support our community.”