From the Religious Education Coordinator
Father’s Day Mass
Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognise the contribution that Father’s and Father Figures make to the lives of their families. It is a way to honour them for their significant influence and the bonds we share with them. We celebrated this very special occasion at school today with a scrumptious bacon and egg breakfast, which was followed by a beautiful Mass led by Year 2/3/4, Ms Washbrook, and Mr Martens. The accompanying Father’s Day photo slideshow made the occasion all the more special, as students and guests reflected on the cherished moments they have shared with their Father’s/ Grandfather’s. We would like to wish all Father’s/ Grandfather’s/ Father Figures, on earth and in heaven, a special Father’s Day this coming Sunday. The following is a prayer for Father’s Day about ‘Dad’s’:
Strength of a Mountain
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
- Author Unknown
Key Leaders Day
On Friday the 25th of August I had the pleasure of attending the Key Leaders' Day in Canberra. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather with Clergy, Principals and Religious Education Coordinators from across the Archdiocese. The opportunity to dialogue as leaders is always invaluable.
The day’s events involved listening to dialogue between Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Mr Ross Fox based on faith in learning. There was also plenary discussion regarding identifying connections between the RE curriculum, evangelisation, and our core Catalyst program. Attendees then explored the core work of Catholic Education as developing centres for evangelisation and as partners in mission, linking school and community. To conclude the day, we heard from staff who had recently completed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and others who attended World Youth Day, and how this has deepened their understanding of Encounter, Discipleship and Mission. Furthermore, the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese has launched a “Year of the Holy Spirit” (see above). The theme of Encounter, Discipleship and Mission linked well to discussions held during the day.
Sunday Gospel Reflection (August 27)
Gospel Matthew 16:13-20
“Who do you say that I am?” This question, put to the disciples by Jesus, is one, that as Catholic leaders, we should allow Jesus to put to us every day. This question provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the place of witness within our vocation.
In his letter to the Galatians, St Paul begins to explain the fruits of witness, noting the grace that comes from witnessing someone sharing their life for others. St Paul testifies that his apostleship is not born out of his own ambition but is due to the witness of God in and through the life of Jesus, “for I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).
This witness, to the life of Jesus, which all the disciples shared throughout their lives is what has been handed down and entrusted to those who have responded to God’s call to be leaders, teachers, and staff in a Catholic school for “On this rock I will build my Church”.
Lord,
you reveal yourself to us when we allow our hearts to be open to you.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
help us to always reflect your life and your love
in the way we serve through our vocations and ministries every day.
Amen
Source: Formed in Prayer, CSYMI
Student Prayer of the Week
Sacramental Program
St Joseph’s Parish will be offering the Sacrament of Confirmation to eligible candidates. To be eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates must be in Year 5 or above and must have already received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
The meetings for the Confirmation candidates will take place during Terms 3 and 4. The dates are as follows:
- Wednesday 6th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Wednesday 20th September – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Wednesday 18th October – Preparation Meeting at 6pm
- Sunday 22nd October – Confirmation Mass at 8am
The preparation meetings will be held on each of the above dates in the St Joseph’s School Library. A Catholic parent (or caregiver) of each candidate must attend each of the meetings.
If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact me (if you have not already done so) at the school on 6343 1514 or via email: danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au
Furthermore, if you know of anyone else interested in further information, who may not have access to this newsletter or the Parish bulletin, please encourage them to contact me also.
Yours in Faith,
Danielle McFarlane
Religious Education Coordinator
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.
If you wish to visit St Joseph’s Church, it is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm and following Mass on Sundays.
