Catholic Life and Reflection
What Students are Learning About
Year Six are working on a unit about the images of Jesus. They were asked to draw a modern day Jesus. This is artwork of a Year 6 student. It shows a great understanding of the role of Jesus in his time and his continued influence in our lives.
Year One have continued their investigations into the Rosary. They each received a set to take home and use for their own prayer. Each time they see me they are so excited to share their learning. As a whole school we said a decade of the Rosary at morning assembly on Tuesday and I could hear their voices praying with fervour. What a joy!
Year Two: across the school we have reflected on the Feast of the Assumption this week. Year 2 have sent me a photo of the booklets they completed that talk about the important doctrine of the Assumption of Our Lady. Kindergarten completed beautiful artwork with cotton wool clouds and a serene Mary.
Year 3 and 4 focussed on the Hail Mary and created beautiful stained glass windows.
What Teachers are Learning About
Several of our teachers are planning their class masses. It is a great opportunity for them to learn more about the liturgy and how the parts work together. There have been some great discussions about scripture and which ones to use as well as how to construct prayers of the faithful. Learning about Mass is a great way for staff to deepen their own faith and share it with students.
Catholic Life and Reflection
A few weeks ago, I went to the REC network day. Dr Patrick McArdle, the Vicar General for Education, spoke to us. What has stayed with me the most is his reflection on the parable of the Last Judgement (Mt 25: 31 - 46). You would know it well, “when I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me drink” He has written an entire doctoral thesis on the topic so I will not do it justice here but one of things that has really stayed with me was this …
“In direct reference to this parable: the hungry need food, not shelter; the sick require healing not clothing…. That is, my response has to be in keeping with their need, not just what I feel comfortable to offer.”
He goes on to say that to truly know someone’s needs we must know them. We cannot know people without spending time with them. Who do we choose to spend time with? Those who are most vulnerable and in need, the poor, the unwashed the lonely. Or do we spend time with those who it is easier to help. I know what my answer is. I pray for the courage to search out the real needs of our community and support our most vulnerable.
God bless,
Stephanie Stewart
