What have students been learning about?

This week we have had two first communion masses. A little different than usual but still lovely. I remember my First Communion; it was in Brisbane in the summer and I was bout 7.  I had the full kit, veil, long dress with long sleeves and stockings! I remember it being quite scary (and terribly hot!).

It was a joy to see the children on both nights be so happy to receive the Sacrament for the first time. On Wednesday, Father Kimi read the Gospel of the loaves and fishes and reminded the children that one of the greatest miracles of Jesus started with a small child who was willing to share.

What staff have been learning about?

For staff prayer this week we have been led by Rebecca Stevenson and Charlie McIver. They have focused on the Prayer of St Francis, a favorite of many.  We became aware recently that our partner school in Kenya, St George’s, has had to close until at least 2021 due to the impact of COVID 19.

Staff have reflected on the words of St Francis that call us to action, not for ourselves, but others. We have encouraged staff to skip a coffee or a bought lunch this week and make a donation. We will send this to St George’s and this money will actually go to the teachers who are not able to work and therefore have no income until at least 2021.

Catholic Life and Reflection

I have said it before (and will again I am sure)… I really love my job. I am so lucky to spend time with many different students.  They bring great joy! This week when I called a junior primary classroom a student answered the phone. When I asked to speak to the teacher the response, in a very serious little voice, was “I am sorry, she is unavailable she is dealing with a child.” I did have a giggle as I hung up the phone.

Father Kimi reminded us of the gifts small children give us so freely.  In the story of the loaves and the fishes the child was able to gift the food to share with everyone.  I wonder in our daily lives if we are able to see the small gifts our children offer us?

Matthew 14:13-21

Notices from the Parish

All women are invited to participate in an Archdiocesan Women’s Reflection Afternoon which will be livestreamed to all corners of the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese this Saturday 29^th August from 2.00pm to 4:30pm. Gather with friends at home, in the parish or at school to hear inspiring talks and participate in short guided prayer experiences.  Register for free at www.bit.ly/WomensReflectionAfternoon More info at https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/event/womens-reflection-afternoon/

Enquiries email catholic.women@cg.org.au or ring/text Lara on 0429 192 869

This event is hosted by the Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce https://womenstaskforceacg.org/

Speakers:

Clara Geoghegan is the Executive Secretary to the Bishops’ Commission for Evangelisation, Laity & Ministry.  Clara has lectured in Church History and Spirituality at Catholic Theological College (Melbourne). Clara is also the Co-Director of the Catherine of Siena Institute, Australia.

Clara hopes to inspire the women of the Archdiocese to respond to their baptismal calling to intimacy with Christ and to co-responsibility for the mission of the Church.

Brigid Cooney Official Delegate from the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn to the Plenary Council of Australia Brigid is a 21-year-old native Canberran. Since working on the Youth Mission Team in 2017 and 2018, Brigid has been studying a double degree in History (ANU) & Teaching (ACU) and hopes to make a difference to young people by teaching history and religious education.

Brigid will share her personal journey of discovering her own baptismal calling to intimacy with Christ and co-responsibility for the Mission of the Church. She will also explain why she put her hand up as a delegate for the Plenary Council and what she hopes will be achieved.

Guided Prayer:

As well as these inspiring talks, the Women’s Reflection Afternoon will be punctuated by short guided prayer experiences lead by the following groups:

• Winniefred Rebello, Women Alive (Indian, Pakistani & Sri Lankan Catholic women’s prayer group)
• Anne Hartwell, Mothers Prayers
• Bronnie Schlager, Call to Connect
• Karen Doyle, Sisterhood National Catholic Women’s Movement
• Vikki McDonough, Christian Meditation

Register for free at www.bit.ly/WomensReflectionAfternoon

Enquiries text Lara 0429 192 869 or email catholic.women@cg.org.au