Awake Melbourne - Return to Me

Ash Wednesday launches Lent this week, and our theme “Return to Me” (Joel 2:12) sets the tone for forty days of renewal. This gathering is intentionally penitential and hopeful: praise that leads into silence, a teaching on the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and generous access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation with priests available across the day. We’ll offer a guided examen, practical helps for forming a realistic Lenten plan, and small‑group sharing to encourage one another. In adoration, we ask the Lord to heal old wounds and rekindle first love. A simple mercy challenge will be launched—concrete acts of service for the poor and lonely in our city. Whether you’re returning after a long time or you never miss a week, this is a safe, grace‑filled space to begin again and journey together towards Easter.