It is with a tinge of sadness that I write my last newsletter entry as the Religious Education Coordinator of St Joseph’s School in Grenfell. It has been a real privilege over the years (2009-2022) to contribute to the Religious Education curriculum and religious life of the school. I have so many wonderful memories and I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of them.

Opening masses set the tone for the year and helping the Kinders put their stars on the star banner to welcome them into the St Joseph’s School community was always a personal highlight for me.

Masses and prayer celebrations to mark important days, such as St Joseph’s Day, NAIDOC week and Mission Day help the students to understand a bit of our history and what we value as a Catholic school.

  

Dramatisation of important events in the church calendar, such as ‘The Stations of the Cross,’ helps students to remember and reflect on these stories in a personal way.

 I have also walked with many sacramental candidates as their faith journeys led them to new chapters in their faith lives.

Showing students the importance of service, and social justice, through our Christmas food drives, Project Compassion and Socktober, has also been rewarding and has helped the students to be more aware of the importance of these groups in our own community and the wider world.

Graduation mass at the end of the year always brings mixed feelings but a real sense of pride at the achievements of our Year 6 students.

I am particularly grateful to the staff for the many and varying ways they have supported me in my role over the years and responded to the many faith formation opportunities. I have also supported and helped lead the teachers through the major changes in the Religious Education curriculum over the last few years. They have worked enthusiastically and collaboratively to overcome the inherent challenges and I sincerely appreciate their efforts.

Last, but not least, to the many principals and priests I have worked with over the years, and to the parents, grandparents, friends and parishioners, I sincerely thank you for your support. I am grateful for that I have had the opportunity to hold this role for so many years. It has certainly had its challenging moments, but it has been a truly rewarding chapter of my life and it has brought me great joy.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a woman whose life and work has given me inspiration: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Peace and blessings for a Christmas season full of love and laughter with family and friends. I look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Peace and Bessings,