From the Religious Education Coordinator
In our Church ……
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (1 June)
On Sunday we celebrated the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. But what does this mean? In 2011 Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI wrote the following about the meaning of the ascension:
[The ascension of Jesus] expresses our belief that in Christ human nature, the humanity in which we all share, has entered into the inner life of God in a new and hitherto unheard of way. It means that man has found an everlasting place in God.
For the disciples, the “ascension” was not what we usually misinterpret it as being: the temporary absence of Christ from the world. It meant rather his new, definitive, and irrevocable presence by participation in God’s royal power… God has a place for man!… In God there is a place for us!…”Be consoled, flesh and blood, for in Christ you have taken possession of heaven and of God’s kingdom!” (Tertullian)
SAINT MARCELLIN CHAMPAGNAT’S FEAST DAY (6 June)
This week we celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat, one of the founding priests of the Marist Movement and the patron of our Marcellin House. Marcellin green was prominent throughout the week as they raised funds for Marist Mission and the Balay Banaag Project in Philippines. Marcellin saw a need in his world and decided to take action by providing an education for the poorest and most underprivileged members of his society. The House that has taken his name at MSCW continued his work this week.
Marcellin’s strong will made him a determined and persistent leader. These qualities were great gifts. Marcellin Champagnat took seriously the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was a holy man because he lived his ordinary life exceptionally well and did ordinary things with extraordinary love. Having discovered the joy of the gospel and letting it transform him, Marcellin wanted to share with others, particularly the young, all that he had seen and heard. “To love God,” Marcellin often said, “and to labour to make God known and loved – this is what a brother’s life should be.” With these few words, the future saint painted his own portrait and recounted his own story. His was a heart that knew no bounds.
We pray this week above all that through Marcellin’s example we can place ourselves in God’s hands and by His grace be people who show do ordinary things with extraordinary love!
PENTECOST (8 June)
Pentecost is a Christian holiday, observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter, that celebrates the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-31). The day of Pentecost is known in the Christian Church as the day on which the Spirit descended upon the apostles. Guided by Peter’s preaching, many thousands were converted in Jerusalem.
Why do Christians celebrate Pentecost?
“Modern Christians observe Pentecost as a holiday, not to celebrate a wheat harvest, but to remember when the Holy Spirit invaded the Church in Acts 2.” https://www.christianity.com/jesus/early-church-history/pentecost/where-did-pentecost-come-from.html
The description states that, after Jesus ascended into heaven, Jesus’ followers were gathered together for the Feast of Harvest (aka Pentecost), and the Holy Spirit “filled the whole house where they were sitting”. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”. This unusual event drew a large crowd, and Peter stood up to speak to them about repentance and the gospel of Christ. By the end of the day that the Holy Spirit came, the Church grew by 3,000 people. This is why Christians still celebrate Pentecost.
June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like yours.”
🔥 What’s June All About?
June in the Catholic calendar is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — a powerful symbol of God’s endless love for each of us. It’s not just about a heart on fire (though it is 🔥), it’s about how deeply Jesus cares for YOU, no matter what.
In a world that can be cold or full of pressure, the Sacred Heart reminds us that God’s love is warm, personal, and constant.
Why It Matters to Us
High school can be full-on. Deadlines. Friendships. Family dramas. Life gets messy. But the Sacred Heart is a reminder that Jesus is right there in the middle of it, loving us through it all.
His heart is:
- Wounded – because He understands pain.
- Burning with love – because you matter to Him.
- Open – inviting us to come as we are.
The Sacred Heart is God saying, “I see you, I love you, and I’m with you.”
🕊️ What Pope Francis Said 💬
Pope Francis often encouraged young people to draw close to the Sacred Heart, calling it “the greatest school of love.” He reminded us that this Heart is not distant or symbolic, it’s alive, full of mercy, compassion, and a place to find real peace.
“Let us ask the Lord that we might make our hearts like His: full of love and compassion.”
~ Pope Francis
A Prayer for June: Sacred Heart, Be My Guide
Dear Jesus,
Your heart is full of love for the broken, the tired, the joyful, and the searching.
In this month of June, help me open my heart to Yours.
Teach me to love like You do patiently, kindly, and courageously.
In the tough times, remind me that You are with me.
Let Your Sacred Heart be my refuge, my strength, and my hope.
Amen.
This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2
