{"id":15335,"date":"2026-03-27T12:43:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T01:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mscw\/?post_type=article&p=15335"},"modified":"2026-03-27T12:43:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T01:43:30","slug":"from-the-religious-education-coordinator-88","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mscw\/article\/from-the-religious-education-coordinator-88\/","title":{"rendered":"From The Religious Education Coordinator"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

An important Lenten Message from the Pope: Like Lazarus, may we hear the Lord’s call to new life<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Pope Leo spoke about the Lord’s raising of Lazarus, “a sign that speaks of Christ\u2019s victory over death and of the gift of eternal life, which we receive through Baptism.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pope said Jesus tells us today, just as he did to Lazarus’ sister Martha, \u201cI am the resurrection and the life.\u00a0 Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gospel reading comes just before Holy Week when we relive the events of the Lord\u2019s Passion \u2014 his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the trial, the crucifixion, the burial – the Pope recalled. In this way we can prepare ourselves and better appreciate their significance, meaning and be open to the gift of grace they offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

God’s grace illumines the world, the Pope reminded us, while we often get lost looking for things that can never give us lasting happiness, such as the constant search for novelty that consumes time, energy, values and sensitivity we have for others, “as if fame, material goods, entertainment and fleeting relationships could fill our hearts or make us immortal.”<\/span><\/p>\n

We all carry “longing for the infinite” within us, he concluded, “a need that cannot be satisfied by passing things.” And as Saint Augustine wrote, “we are made for God, and we find no peace until we rest in him.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In conclusion, the Pope encouraged us to see how the account of the resurrection of Lazarus invites us then, with the help and power of the Holy Spirit, to “free our hearts from habits, conditioning and ways of thinking which, like boulders, shut us away in the tomb of selfishness, materialism, violence and superficiality.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflection from <\/span>https:\/\/www.vaticannews.va\/en\/pope\/news\/2026-03\/pope-like-lazarus-may-we-hear-the-lord-s-call-to-new-life.html#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20the%20Pope%20encouraged,Redeemer%20transfigures%20wounds%20of%20history<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Year 12 Retreat<\/b><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a>In Week 7, our Year 12 cohort stepped away from the busyness of school life and travelled to Mittagong for their long\u2011awaited retreat. Surrounded by rolling hills, crisp country air and the peaceful grounds of the Hermitage, students embraced a week dedicated to reflection, connection and personal growth. Guided by the theme <\/span>Faith, Hope and Love<\/span><\/i>, each day offered new opportunities to pause, breathe and rediscover what truly matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

The retreat began with a creative and symbolic activity: decorating candles to represent the light we carry within ourselves and share with others. Students then worked together to create cloth artworks in their small groups, each piece reflecting the unique stories, strengths and hopes of the individuals within it. The day concluded with a beautiful liturgy that set the tone for the days ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second day invited us into a deeper sense of calm with a silent sensory walk around the property. Later, students wrote affirmations for one another, heartfelt messages that would become treasured keepsakes. The day continued with Mass and the opportunity for confession, offering space for spiritual renewal. The day ended with laughter and excitement as groups battled it out in a very competitive trivia session.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the final morning, students gathered for one last liturgy before reading their affirmations. There were plenty of tears; of gratitude, of joy, and of the bittersweet realisation that the retreat was coming to an end. A sincere thank you to Miss Millett and Mrs Colreavy for their dedication, guidance and care throughout the retreat. Their support helped make the experience meaningful, memorable and deeply appreciated by all who attended. We returned as a cohort not only refreshed, but strengthened as a cohort ready to face the year ahead with renewed faith, hope and love.<\/span><\/p>\n

On behalf of the Year 12 cohort<\/span><\/p>\n

Harriet and Sarah<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n