Lenten Enrichment
Lenten Enrichment
Across our parish, there will be many meaningful ways to enter into the season of Lent. We invite you to explore opportunities for scripture, prayer and reflection, as well as practical ways to make a difference in the lives of others.
Message from Pope Leo for Lent 2026
Pope Leo XIV, in his message for Lent 2026, invites Catholics to open ourselves to listening, fasting and community, urging us to abstain from words of hatred in order to make space for words of hope and peace. Read more…
John’s Gospel and Lenten Themes
During Lent, the parish’s Lifelong Learning Coordination Group is hosting a three-part series presented by Br Dr Paul Creevy FMS exploring John’s Gospel and Lenten themes.
Event Details
Thursday evenings from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm in the Gathering Space at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10 Whitehorse Road, Deepdene. The sessions will take place on:
26 February: “Come and See” (John 1:38)
5 March: “It is accomplished” (John 19:30)
12 March: “Who Are You Looking For?” (John 18,5,7; 20:15)
Br Paul is a Marist Brother who completed his doctoral students in Scripture, majoring in John’s Gospel at KU Leuven in Belgium. He lectures in Biblical Studies, Biblical Languages and Systematic Theology at Yarra Theological College and Catholic Theological College.
Reflecting on the Sunday Readings in Lent
You are invited to attend two sessions to explore the Sunday readings in Lent facilitated by Rose Marie Prosser.
Event Details
Wednesday afternoons from 1.00-2.15 pm on 25 February, 4 March and 25 March 2026 in the Gathering Space at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 10 Whitehorse Road, Deepdene.
Rose Marie Prosser is a former Lecturer in Theology and Scripture at Yarra Theological Union, facilitator of our Parish Faith and Life Questions Group and a long-time parishioner.
Prayer and Penance during Lent
Lenten Penitential Service
A Lenten Penitential Service will be held on Tuesday, 24 March at 7.00 pm at All Hallows Church, Balwyn.
Individual Confessions
During Lent, there are opportunities for individual confession at:
- Our Lady of Victories Basilica, Camberwell on Saturday at 10.00 am
- Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene on Saturday at 4.45 pm
- All Hallows Church on Tuesday after 9.15 am Mass
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will take place each Friday during Lent at 6.00 pm at All Hallows Church, Balwyn.
Lenten Retreat
Take a break from your everyday routine and spend the day reflecting on your life through a guided Ignatian Examen facilitated by Anne Slingo. Places are limited.
Event Details
Saturday, 21 March from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm
Our Lady of Victories, 548 Burke Road, Camberwell
To find out more and to register
Anne Slingo’s background is in Ignatian spirituality, and she is a trained giver of the First Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Since leaving the classroom, Anne has been working in formation with Catholic educators, giving retreats and staff days, breaking open charism, introducing sacred listening and spiritual conversation, and guiding discernment and prayer. Anne is a long-time parishioner.
Project Compassion Lenten Appeal
Unite Against Poverty
During Lent, our parish is supporting Caritas Australia, Project Compassion. This year’s theme is Unite Against Poverty. By taking home a Project Compassion donation box or envelope, you will be answering the Gospel’s call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable. Boxes are available in our churches.
2026 Virtual Lent Series
Garratt Publishing is hosting a series of Lent talks by three Australian biblical scholars from Yarra Theological Union, reflecting on the readings for the week. Dr Mary Reaburn NDS, Dr Chris Monaghan and Dr Paul Creevy FMS will speak to us from their own area of expertise.
Event Details
Tuesday evenings from 7.00-8.00 pm AEDT on 17 & 24 February and 3, 10, 17 & 24 March via Zoom. Registration is essential. Zoom meeting details will be forwarded upon registration.
A challenge for Lent
Can you spare 10 seconds a day?
You are invited to give up just a moment each day to pray a simple, 14-word prayer: ‘Lord, today is there someone you want me to connect with outside the Church?’
The ACORN Faith Lenten Challenge is designed to be a low-pressure, accessible way for Catholics to become more attentive to God’s presence in their everyday encounters. Read more…
Lenten Resources
Fr Frank O’Loughlin will guide us through the journey from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost
Ash Wednesday – Easter – Pentecost
Lent, Easter and Symbolic Numbers
Lent: Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving
Fr Sang Ho and Fr Ian Vergal share their homilies during Lent. Read more …