Rebecca Stevenson and I attended an REC network meeting on Thursday. We covered several topics including school compliance requirements, ideas for student retreats and reflection days and planning about the 2025 Jubilee year in our church. It is always a good opportunity to meet with other REC’s and share ideas. 

As part of the reflection on the Jubilee Year Professor Patrick McArdle, the Vicar General for Education, spoke about his recent trip to walk the Camino. He is an entertaining and engaging speaker. His reflection focussed on the expected and the unexpected moments of grace he experienced on his journey.

The theme for the Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope". As His Holiness, Pope Francis, so beautifully expressed it: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision." You can find out more at the following website:

Catholic Life and Reflection

At the REC day we read the scripture of The Lost Sheep.  It is certainly a well-known story and one I have heard many times.  This time though it had a different impact.  I began to wonder what the lost sheep was thinking. Did she know she was lost?  Had she had that moment of looking up and around and realising she was alone?  That moment of terror, like when you were little and lost your mum in a crowd. Imagine the relief to see the person who cares for you coming towards you, arms open, and on top of that they carry you back. 

Or was the sheep oblivious to even being lost? So wrapped up in the next patch of sweet grass over the hill that they hadn’t even seen how far they had wandered? 

What struck me was, regardless of the sheep’s awareness, Jesus was there. If you are looking, He will find you. If you are not looking, He will find you where you are at.

An interesting perspective. 

As the year begins to ramp up, go gently, seek Jesus where you can and know He is there looking out for you.

Luke 15

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

³ So he told them this parable: ⁴ ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵ When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart

Notices from the Parish