Catholic Life and Reflection
What Staff are Learning About
A Current of Grace Conference
I had the privilege of joining Mrs Stewart at an international conference, “A Current of Grace”, earlier this week. We were eager, yet unsure on how the Holy Spirit would move us during these two days. We walked into the Church and noted that "wow" was it clear that the Holy Spirit was there moving amongst us. Not only were all the Religious Education Coordinators and some Principals from Canberra there, but many international religious education leaders, international clergy and many people from interstate. Feeling the buzz in the atmosphere was truly electric.
A highlight for me, besides spending time with like minded teachers, was listening to a keynote speaker, Mrs Barbara Coupar - director of Catholic Education Scotland. Maybe it was her charming accent, but I was glued and stuck on each word. She spoke about being “unapologetically Catholic”, this struck me. Also, not simply ticking the box that yes we teach religion, but we have the ability to actually bring our students to encounter Jesus and this should be at the forefront of what we do every day, among all learning areas. Being INTENTIONAL in our faith, meeting people where they are at and walking with them on their journey. I am proud to work at a Catholic school and to hopefully breathe life into situations, and show Jesus through me.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work through our schools.
Louise Osborne-Goldborough
What Students are Learning About
First Communion
The students who will receive their First Eucharist in the coming weeks were provided with the opoprutnity to receive Reconciliation with Father Chung on Thursday. They were all very reverant and respectful. Please keep them in your prayers.
Saint of the Week
Over the coming weeks I am going to ask some Year 6 students to write a paragraph on the saint that they chose for Confirmation. My experience is that often the children make the Sacrament and then we don’t speak of it again. This is one way to help children continue to connect to the deep and rich traditions of our church and learn how the Holy Spirit moves in the lives of others.
This week Jack in 6M will share about Saint Bonaventure.
The life of Saint Bonaventure. It was in the year 1221 that Saint Bonaventure was born. St. Bonaventure is considered a saint due to the fact that he is the patron saint of those with bowel disorders. The cause of his childhood illness, which nearly ended his life in the first place, is believed to have been because of this disease. Later on in his life, he became one of the most prominent Franciscan philosophers and theologians. It is important to note that he has made a significant contribution to the development of scholasticism and has written a number of books on theology and spirituality. Despite his childhood illness, Saint Bonaventure lived a life dedicated to religious scholarship and left a lasting impact on the Catholic Church.
Catholic Life and Reflection
The biggest takeaway for me from the Currents of Grace conference, was that all things need to come from Jesus. He cannot be an after thought or an add on. I feel renewed in my capacity to help our community become closer to God. Many people shared their faith journey and encounter stories. Some were dramatic, profound and immediately recognisable others a slow burn, so to speak.
I think I am the latter. A slow realisation of the gifts of being a Catholic. However, once you become aware of these things you cannot go back. Each time I have an experience, encounter, with God it adds a layer to my faith, sometimes just gossamer thin, but a layer none the less.
I have committed to try to listen more carefully to what God is asking of me. To where He wants to be and what work He needs me to do on his behalf.
Have you ever considered taking time to just listen to God?
Isaiah 55:2-3
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.
God bless,
Stephanie Stewart
Notices from the Parish
Sacrament of The Eucharist
The Sacrament of First Eucharist will be celebrated on 1 & 2 June 2024
respectively. Most of those celebrating these sacraments are from our school.
Please hold all of the children preparing for these sacraments in your prayers.