The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has called on the Catholic Church in Australia for four days of fasting and reparation from Ash Wednesday (14- 17 February 2018)
“With the Royal Commission concluded, our country and our Church enter into a new moment. We are calling upon the Catholic community in Australia to embrace this new moment by beginning the penitential season of Lent with four days of fasting and reparation. These are spiritual practices which express our desire for God’s reconciling and healing grace.
Through fasting, we stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of abuse whose much deeper hunger is for healing and peace in their lives. Through reparation, we make amends for the sin of those in the Church who abused children or failed to listen and act when they should have.
The days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse and for the healing of victims and survivors will be marked by prayer – in our homes and in our Catholic communities.
Please take to heart the importance of these days in preparing the Church to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission and to make the journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter. We cannot undo the past. With God’s help, we can make the future better.
A number of liturgical and prayer resources have been developed for use in parish and other public settings, as well as a prayer for use in the home.
The resources can be downloaded HERE “
Parishioners are asked to respond to this call in their homes and their families. An Evening Prayer service will be held in the church Friday 16 February from 6.30pm