Religious Education News
In our Church……
Saints Joachim and Anne
On 26 July, The Church celebrated the life of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, Jesus’ grandparents- Mary’s parents. In the Scriptures, Matthew and Luke furnish a legal family history of Jesus, tracing ancestry to show that Jesus is the culmination of great promises. Not only is his mother’s family neglected, we also know nothing factual about them except that they existed. Even the names “Joachim” and “Anne” come from a legendary source written more than a century after Jesus died.
The strong character of Mary in making decisions, her continuous practice of prayer, her devotion to the laws of her faith, her steadiness at moments of crisis, and her devotion to her relatives—all indicate a close-knit, loving family that looked forward to the next generation even while retaining the best of the past.
We believe that Jesus is truly God and truly human, and this feast of his grandparents is a testimony to that faith. While the names Joachim and Anne may be legendary, we know that Jesus had grandparents in the parents of Mary (as well as those of Saint Joseph). Our God truly became human and lived among us.
(taken from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-joachim-and-anne)
A Prayer to Saint Anne and Saint Joachim
Saint Anne and Saint Joachim,
You were ever faithful to God, trusting in Him in your lives and while you prayed for a child.
Your patience and perseverance in prayer are an example to us.
We ask that you pray for us, that we may be ever faithful and trusting in God.
May our love for God and our faith in Him never waiver, no matter what happens in our lives.
May we appreciate the faith of others like Saint Anne and Saint Joachim and be inspired to a deeper faith.
Saints Anne and Joachim, thank you for your example of faith.
Thank you for your wonderful daughter, our spiritual mother Mary.
Thank you for the love of God and the faith you inspire in us.
Grandparents of Jesus,
All respond: pray for us
Parents to Mary,
All respond: pray for us
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, 28 July
The late Pope Francis decided in 2021 to institute a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. He was moved to establish it not just because of the importance of grandparents and the elderly, a theme on which he has often spoken, but particularly because of the neglect and isolation so many grandparents and seniors experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions, nursing-home policies and fear for their safety prevented their being visited and embraced by their loved ones.
Pope Francis hoped that, on this day, grandchildren will visit their grandparents, perhaps even sharing with them a copy of his letter, and that parish families will have special Masses thanking God for the gift of grandparents, praying for them, and entrusting to him those who have died, particularly during the pandemic.
The choice of the fourth Sunday of July is transparently to connect it, as closely as possible, to the July 26 feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. This link to Jesus’ family tree and to salvation history suggests that everyone’s genealogy and personal prehistory is part of the providential plan of God.
In our Community……
Year 9 Reflection Day
On Friday 1 August, 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, and active listeners.
I would like to thank all the staff who attended the day and ran small groups: Ms Laura Marshall, Mrs Carly La Rossa, Ms Aleksandra Bridge, Ms Irena Jajcevic, Mr Justin Hodges, Mrs Katie Ellis, Mrs Bianca Roda, Mr Henry Davey, Mrs Janene Stitt. A huge thank you for being such a wonderful team and for all your support throughout the day.
2025 MSCW Winter Appeal Launch
This term we are proud to launch MSCW’s support of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. We are encouraging our community to lend a helping hand to those facing hardship this winter.
From Week 3 to Week 7, students and families are invited to donate warm clothing, blankets, and essential items – your generosity can have a real impact! Students will bring these items to tutor group each morning. Please see below what each house is encouraged to bring. These will then be made into essentials packs for our local Vinnies centre.
Additionally, our MSCW Winter Sleepout will take place from Friday 5th September to Saturday 6th September, offering students the chance to experience a night in solidarity with the homeless and raise awareness. Stay connected and click the link to follow our progress, donate directly to Vinnies and access live updates!
In our Curriculum……
On Monday of Week 3, our Year 12 students will commence two weeks of Trial HSC Examinations. As a Marist Sisters’ College Community, we will keep them in our prayers for what can be a stressful and anxious time:
Dear Lord,
We ask for your blessing on our students undertaking their Trial HSC Examinations over the coming weeks. Grant them the confidence they deserve from their years of diligent study. Grant them the ability to comprehend questions and effectively plan and articulate their responses. May they be enriched by the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Fortitude and Knowledge. May their faith and piety give them the strength to face these examinations and the satisfaction of achieving their personal best.
We ask these things through Christ Our Lord,
Amen.
We wish our Year 12 students all the best!
