Religious Education

On Monday 11 November, our students and staff marked Remembrance Day with a beautiful liturgy. We remembered and paid tribute to the men and women who have served their country in war, conflict and peace.

In 2024 we keep in our prayers those countries where war is a daily reality for children and families.

O God, our ruler and our guide,
In whose hands are the destinies of this and every nation,
We give you thanks for the freedoms we enjoy in this land
And for those who laid down their lives to defend them:
We pray that we and all the people of Australia, Gratefully remembering their courage and their sacrifice,
May have grace to live in a spirit of justice, Of generosity, and of peace, Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Praying at Tallong

Last week, our Year 3 students visited the Santa Sabina Tallong Outdoor Education Campus. It was wonderful to see our students trying new things, strengthening friendships and growing as learners, all the while maintaining our school values of community, service, prayer and study.

First Reconciliation

This week some of the Year 3 students celebrated the sacrament of Reconciliation. Students were very reverent during the liturgy and families enjoyed having the opportunity to witness their children make their first reconciliation.

Reconciliation is officially called the Sacrament of Penance. In the past, it was also called Confession. These titles are all aspects of the meaning of the Sacrament. The Sacrament of Penance is a celebration of God’s love and mercy. It celebrates the call to repentance after a process of conversion of heart. This includes confessing our sins and receiving the forgiveness of God through the ministry of the priest. Through this process, a person is reconciled with the Church and continues to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Congratulations to our Year 3 students who received their First Reconciliation this week.

Image courtesy of Giovanni Portelli Photography

Christian Meditation

Be Still and Know That I am God ……

Meditation is a form of prayer, a way to experience God through the stillness and silence of our hearts. Meditation has many benefits for children, it has been proven to:

make children calmer and more relaxed
help create a sense of wonder in children
help create a sense of God in those who meditate
help create a sense of community where each person is reverenced
allow children a chance to be silent and experience God’s presence
develops in children a greater ability to learn and maintain attention.

Over time, with regular practice, meditation changes us. The changes that take place can best be described as in St Paul’s letter to the Galatians, ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22)

Throughout the year, children have joined Sr Jill Shirvington OP for meditation sessions. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sr Jill for her unwavering commitment and generosity in dedicating her time each Friday to our staff and students.

Term 4 Outreach at Del Monte

Please continue to contribute non-perishable food to our Del Monte Christmas Appeal. Donations will support the House of Welcome at Granville, which aids refugees and their families awaiting visa processing. This community service nurtures hope, advocates for justice, and promotes self-reliance while respecting the dignity and rights of each individual. Please send donations with your children to be placed in their classrooms.

Advent

This year, the season of Advent begins on Sunday 1 December.

Advent begins each year with a call for us to awake from our sleep. But what does it mean to be awake?
It means we must shake off the things in our spiritual life that make us drowsy and sluggish.
It means we must turn away from sin and receive the grace that God offers us. Every day.
It means we are invited to hope and to receive the grace that God offers us to recommence.
It means to get ready for Jesus to come again.
Advent is a time of waiting and watching.
Stay awake!
Mt 24:37-44