From the Religious Education Coordinator
In our Church ……
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (16 June)
In Catholic churches and homes, one of the most popular images of Jesus is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is the image of God’s love revealed in the pierced heart of His Son. It is the symbol of a love that conquers sin and transcends death, the symbol of the One who loved us to the end.
The Friday that follows the Second Sunday in Time After Pentecost is the Feast of the Sacred Heart which brings to mind all the attributes of His Divine Heart mentioned above. Many Catholics prepare for this Feast by beginning a Novena to the Sacred Heart on the Feast of Corpus Christi, which is the Thursday of the week before. On the Feast of the Sacred Heart itself, we can gain a plenary indulgence by making an Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart.
From the earliest days of the Church, “Christ’s open side and the mystery of blood and water were meditated upon, and the Church was beheld issuing from the side of Jesus, as Eve came forth from the side of Adam. It is in the eleventh and twelfth centuries that we find the first unmistakable indications of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Through the wound in the side, the wound in the Heart was gradually reached, and the wound in the Heart symbolized the wound of love.” (Catholic Encyclopedia)
Prayers of Intercessions to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Open our hearts to receive your abundant gifts:
Make our hearts like yours.
Open our hearts to welcome all our sisters and brothers as your beloved friends:
Take away from us all prejudice and hardness of heart.
Open our hearts to feel the pain of your suffering people:
Turn our good intentions into acts of justice and mercy.
Open our hearts that we may speak for those whose voices are faint:
Give us the courage to challenge those systems and behaviours that compromise the dignity of people.
Open our hearts to forgive those who have caused us injury:
Let us grant forgiveness to others as God has granted forgiveness to us.
In the life of Year 9 Students ……
Year 9 Reflection Day
On Friday, the Year 9 students experienced their wonderful Reflection Day at Holy Name of Mary, Hunters Hill. The theme of the day was Courage with a focus on the question: What are you discussing on your journey?
This day, inspired by the scripture passage ‘The Walk to Emmaus’ Lk 24: 13-35 invited students to reflect on their own journey throughout their time at Marist Sisters’ College.
The Year 9 students were asked to focus on the following: “we need many things when we embark on a journey, some are practical, some are physical, some are emotional, spiritual. Sometimes our needs change, mid journey…we need to be adaptable, careful, be active listeners.
Students were asked: As Year 9 students, as young women, as Marist women of action?
‘What are you discussing on your journey? where are you going? where is this road taking you? Where is it leading you? What courage do you need on this journey?
“Year 9 had a wonderful day full of activities during Reflection Day at Holy Name of Mary, Hunters Hill. Through the days’ theme on “Courage” a dimension of our College Compass, we were able to reflect on our obstacles courageously which allowed us to share, connect and build relationships with our peers and teachers.” – Elka Byczkov – Year 9
I would like to thank all the staff who attended the day and ran small groups: Dr Anne Ireland, Mr Justin Hodges, Ms Samantha Ison, Ms Jenny Vu, Ms Stephanie Dito, Ms Megan Pearce, Ms Katie Ellis, Ms Irena Jajevic, Ms Antoninia Arcidiacono, Ms Rebecca Franklin and Ms Joc Kemp. A huge thank you for being such a wonderful team and for all your support throughout the day.
In our Community….
Youth Afternoon Session
The Local Youth Gathering Afternoon will be hosted by Marist Sisters’ College on Friday, 23rd of June. This is an opportunity for our surrounding schools: To gather together for an afternoon of games, fun activities and a chance to connect through our faith. All Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited.
If students are interested in attending, email Ms Vu mailto:jenny.vu@syd.catholic.edu.au by Wednesday, 21st of June.
This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2
