What The Students Are Learning About

Miss McIver and her wonderful Year 3 Blue class celebrated mass with Fr. Chung yesterday afternoon.  The theme of the mass was  ‘Eucharist - The Bread of Life’.  Fr Chung’s Homily focussed on:

• the meal and the willingness to help others,
• we are invited to the special meal of Jesus, where he tells us that he loves us so much that he will die for us, and
• we thank Him for this love.

The students prayers include:

Logan: For our friends and family, me we all be happy and share meals together in joy, let us pray to the Lord

Annika:  For our teachers, may they teach with love and joy in their hearts, let us pray to the Lord.

Kyler: For health care workers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who tend to the sick, may their compassionate service be a reflection of Christ's love, Let is pray to the Lord.

Piper: For all students, that they may be blessed with diligence, focus and a love of learning.

Our excited Year 2 students presented a Prayer Assembly yesterday afternoon, celebrating the life and teaching of Jesus.  They shared impressive artworks illustrating the many things we know and believe about the life of Jesus.  The scripture focus was The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:21-35.  Jesus told this parable to teach the importance of forgiveness.  

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

What The Teachers Are Learning About

Next Tuesday, Year 3 and Year 6 students will be participating in a  Sacrament reflection. Year 3 students will be participating in a Communion reflection in the morning session.  Ryan Lenarcic from SFX (Liturgy and Spirituality Coordinator) will bring some Year 9 students over to assist.  The focus will be based on the scripture ‘Breakfast on the beach with Jesus’ John 23: 1-13.  Students will be given snacks to share a meal, e.g. poppers, muesli bars, packet chips or biscuits, etc.

In the middle session, Year 6 students will participate in a Confirmation reflection.

The theme is ‘The Fruits of the Spirit based on the scripture Galations 5:22-23.  The focus  is : How did my Saint live their faith?  How will I show my faith?

Year 6 students will be given a pizza lunch to share a meal at the end of their reflection.

In preparation of the Confirmation reflection.  I have learnt the process of 

Canonization - How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints?  I have also learnt how to be a saint watching an engaging YouTube video from Fr. Mike Schmitz - You Can Be A Saint.  Here’s How.   Fr. Mike Schmitz talks of the teaching of the prophet Micah.  Micah was asked ‘What can I give the Lord?  What worldly possessions does he want from me?’ The Lord spoke through Micah and told them:

1. To do right.  2. To love justice.   3. To walk humbly with your God.

A saint is someone who says ‘Yes’ to God and never stops saying ‘Yes’.  To do what God wills, as God wills it because God wills it.

Catholic Life and Reflection

Last Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of sponsoring my nephew, Christian at his Confirmation at Mary Help of Christians in Pearce.  It was a joyous occasion.  Fr. Richard is a comedian.  I’ve never laughed so much in church.  He was very personable with every child talking to each child about their chosen patron saint as they were each presented with their sponsor.  There were a few St Sebastian’s so he asked those children what sports they played etc. Fr. Richard pulled an amused face when he saw my nephew had chosen St Blaise (Patron saint of candle makers, ailments of the throat, wild animals and wool combers).  He said that when Christian gets a sore throat he has to burn two candles across his chest as a remedy.  I’ve told Christian his birthday present from myself every year from now on will be two candles.  It was the happiest celebration.  The IT failed on the night but the students were well prepared and were amazing with their readings.  I found myself thinking about preparing the Confirmation reflection for our year 6 students.  Knowing what the chosen saint is a patron of is a surface level understanding.  I am looking forward to having our Year 6 students reflect on how their patron saint showed their faith - what did they do that showed they loved Jesus and were following his teaching?  What will they do to show their faith? What a perfect time for me to participate as a sponsor whilst thinking about a Confirmation reflection for our students!

Rebecca Stevenson

Religious Education Coordinator

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