Catholic Life and Reflection
What Students are Learning About
A number of Year 3 students are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time. The sacrament where Christ gives himself to you as nourishment: you receive the Body of Christ, and you grow to be more and more like Him.
Father Chung visited Year 3 to give them an introduction to their Eucharistic journey. Fr Chung asked the students what the word ‘Amen’ means. Some children answered, ‘it is what we say at the end of a prayer.’ Fr Chung reminded them that Amen means ‘I believe, it is true!’ The students were told that when they eat the bread, the body of Christ, they become one with God. Students had the opportunity of practicing receiving (unconsecrated) Communion. One student asked why the host is tasteless? Fr Chung explained that it is ‘pure’. God does not have a taste.
Fr Chung told the students that after Communion, when they kneel and pray, they should say ‘I love you God!’. Thank him for entering your heart. Talk to him like you talk to your parents who you love. Ask him to help others and yourself. Finally, thank Him for all that is good in your life.
“Communion” is from a Latin word that means “community”. Communion brings about a community between us and Jesus, and between us and all other people who receive him.
“Whoever receives the Holy Eucharist loses himself in God like a drop of water in the ocean. The two can no longer be divided.” St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859).
Catholic Life and Reflection
Last Friday we celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The most important part of the day was celebrating mass as a whole school. Throughout the mass we were reminded that Jesus loves us, and His Sacred Heart shows us how we should love. God is love and he calls his people to love him and each other.
As a school we responded to the call to act by fundraising for our partner school, St George’s Academy in Kenya. Simon from Global School Partners visited us today to share the story of St George’s Academy and describe the everyday life and challenges of the students.
Mr. Sam O’Donnell (Acting Principal for the day) from 3B announced that we raised $1700 for St George’s. WOW! $300 from the ‘Assistant Principal For a Day’ raffle, $200 in donations from teachers who wore Jeans for Jesus to work, and $1200 from the Class Coin Lines. This amount will allow Simon to personally arrange the purchase of several computers for St George’s Academy.
Well done to all students for contributing and participating so enthusiastically in the student raffle and class coin lines! Mr. O’Donnell also announced the longest class coin line and the class that raised the most money per student. A fantastic effort was made by 6 Blue who won both these categories with Kinder Blue close behind. 6 Blue will receive their prize of school baked popcorn and fairy floss next week!
Lastly, a huge congratulations to Mr. Sam O’Donnell for being an amazing and very well prepared Assistant Principal. Sam, you are such a positive contribution to our school community. Mr. Garton enjoyed working with you today! We look forward to seeing more great things to come from you in your future years at St John the Apostle Primary School.
Rebecca Stevenson
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)