Lent began quietly.
A cross traced in ashes on a student’s forehead. A classroom settling into prayer. A moment to pause in the middle of a busy school day and remember that this season is about more than giving something up. It is about making space for something new.
For 40 days, students and staff across the Ottawa Catholic School Board are invited into a journey of reflection, prayer, kindness, and renewal as we prepare our hearts for Easter. The season began on Ash Wednesday, when our schools and parish communities came together in a simple but powerful reminder that we all need moments to start again.
Across Catholic education this year, we continue walking together as Pilgrims of Hope. During Lent, that hope is not something distant or abstract. It shows up in our classrooms, in the quiet ways students care for one another, and in the sense of belonging we work to create every day.
As we live our Spiritual Theme, Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings, Lent becomes a natural time to focus on building bridges. Bridges with God. Bridges with one another. And sometimes, the most important bridges of all, the ones within ourselves.
The Connection Between Lent and Well-Being
At its heart, Lent is about reflection, honesty, and new beginnings. These are also essential parts of supporting mental health and well-being.
When students are given time to pause, they learn how to check in with themselves. Quiet moments of prayer, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to slow down can bring a sense of calm and clarity. In a world that moves quickly, those pauses matter.
Lent helps students understand that caring for their mental health is connected to their faith journey. Acts of forgiveness can ease heavy feelings. Gratitude can shift perspective. Helping others can create a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Together, these experiences support the whole child, mind, body, and spirit.
Students Living Lent Each Day
Across our schools, students experience Lent in both quiet and active ways. They take part in liturgies and prayer services, support charitable initiatives, and look for simple ways to be kinder and more patient with one another.
Through this journey, they begin to see that reflection can settle a busy mind, prayer can bring comfort during challenging moments, forgiveness can mend friendships, and helping others builds connection and confidence.
These everyday experiences help students grow not only spiritually but also emotionally and socially.
Building Bridges Through Care and Connection
This year’s focus on building bridges reminds us that connection is at the heart of well-being. During Lent, students are encouraged to be more aware of one another, to reach out, and to notice when someone may need support.
Often, the most meaningful bridges are built in simple ways, such as a student including someone who feels left out, a class coming together in prayer, or a kind word offered at the right moment.
These small actions help create school environments where students feel safe, supported, and valued.
Walking Together in Hope
Lent is a journey we take together. Schools, families, and parish partners come together through prayer, reflection, and service, creating a strong circle of care around every student.
When students feel connected and supported, they feel hopeful. And hope is at the heart of the Lenten journey.
Each day of Lent offers an opportunity to begin again. To strengthen relationships. To show compassion. To take care of ourselves and one another.
Together, as a community of faith and care, we continue to open doors, build bridges, and nourish new beginnings for every student.
