From the Religious Education Coordinator

The November prayer intention from Pope Francis is to pray for and be near those who suffer from exhaustion, burn-out and depression. “Overwork and work-related stress cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion – mental, emotional, affective and physical exhaustion,” the Pope said in his intention, which was released in this month’s The Pope Video.

“Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today,” he said.

Pope Francis has encouraged everyone to reach out to those around us who are depressed, desperate or without hope. Along with “indispensable psychological counseling”, let us remember Jesus’ words to help us and others to find solace:

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

“Let us pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life,” instructs Pope Francis.

The month of November is the month dedicated to the Holy Souls. The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment. It is our great privilege that we can pray to our merciful God on their behalf.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”

As NSW and the rest of Australia ‘opens up’, so are our church and parish activities starting up again. Please see attached the flyer for the Holy Name of Mary Parish youth group ELEVATE games night. Also attached is information regarding the Archdiocese of Sydney’s launch Mass for World Youth Day Lisbon 2023.

You are also invited to pray for Year 12 students as they sit their HSC examinations.

A Prayer for Year 12 students

God, we ask that our Year 12 Sisters feel your presence with them as they prepare for and complete their HSC examinations.

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand.

Bless them with a keen understanding of what they have learnt.

Give them the ability to be exact in their explanations and an ability to express themselves clearly.

Holy Spirit, send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2