REC Network Day

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend the REC Network Day at St Mary MacKillop College, Isabella Plains, in Canberra. This is a professional learning network for Archdiocesan RECs. The day was also a great opportunity to experience another school within the Archdiocese. The areas that were focused on included:

- Literary styles in the Gospel of Matthew Religious Education Curriculum and links to High Impact Teaching Practices

- The Art of Matthew and using art to explore the messages of Matthew’s Gospel

- Creating a safe environment for students and staff in liturgical, formation and volunteering sessions

- Exploring Christian Anthropology

Overall, the day focused on our work for both the curriculum and religious life of the school.

Sacramental Program

I will soon be attending a meeting in Young with Father Jiss and the Sacramental Coordinator of the Young Mission, along with other RECs who work at schools in Young and Boorowa. Information about the sacramental program will be provided as it comes to hand.

Lent Reflection - In the Words of Pope Francis

Lent presents us with an excellent opportunity for us to make some positive change in our personal lives.

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

Parish News

Sunday 8 am Mass

St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell

Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.

Parish Street Stall

St Joseph’s Parish Street Stall will be held on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March. Donations of jams, pickles, cakes, slices, etc. as well as books and any good quality saleable goods greatly appreciated. Volunteers are requested to assist on the stall. If you are able to assist in any way, please contact Terry or Deidre Carroll on 0403 480 729 or 6343 1574.

Thank you Celebration

On Sunday 12th March, our parish will be having a thank you mass and morning tea for Liz Carroll and Leslie King. Liz was chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for 9 years and carried out many ‘behind the scenes’ activities for the parish. Leslie was the Sacramental Coordinator for the parish for 13 years and guided our young people through preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation during that time. After mass there will be a morning tea. Parishioners are asked to bring a small plate of food to share.

Yours in Faith,

Danielle McFarlane

Religious Education Coordinator