Director of Identity
Mrs Bridget Jenkins
Director of Identity
Mrs Bridget Jenkins
Be intent on prayer and whatever may happen will turn to our good.
The words of our Founder Blessed Edmund Rice
Throughout this extraordinary year of change and unpredictable local and global happenings we have continuously come together as a faith community to pray for our families, friends, neighbours, for those close and for those distant, those known to us and those we have never met. The power of prayer is often spoken about but never assumed, it is a moment of deep connection with God and whether done together or alone is a chance to focus on our own lives, and importantly the lives of others.
Throughout the year all our students from both the Senior and Junior school have celebrated Mass in Learning Groups and with their Pastoral Care classes in our Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Austins Ferry. Named after the Holy Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help sacred to the Christian Brothers, the chapel also features a beautiful stained-glass window glowing with images reflecting those of the Edmund Rice Icon.
During the preparation of our students for Mass we talk to them about the importance of prayer and connecting meaningfully with God and the ways in which they can engage in this deep moment of focus and reflection. Praying for someone they know who may be doing it tough or praying for a person or group of people they may or may not know, or maybe someone on the other side of the world who needs some extra help and care.
We talk to them about how it is okay to pray for yourself, for extra strength or courage in facing a challenge or fear. We also ask them to think about the special things they may like to give thanks for, such as family, friends, opportunities and the special skills and gifts they have that makes their lives good. When they come to Mass, they see how Fr Suresh is able to pray so deeply and they have become increasingly focussed particularly during the sacred time after communion. Sitting silently, with strong focus and intention is not the normal physical state for most boys but it is a special moment indeed to share this most reverent time all together.
We wish all our families a safe, peace filled and prayerful Christmas season and look forward to being together again next year, as we continue our faith journey together in the company of our merciful God.
Praying to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
O Virgin Mother of Perpetual Help,I come before Your Sacred Icon,And with childlike confidence, I ask for Your Help.
Show yourself a Mother to me now and have pity on me.
O Mother of Perpetual Help, For the love You bear to Jesus, Help me in with my need.
I leave it all to You in the name of the Father.I leave it all to You in the name of the Son.I leave it all to You in the name of the Holy Spirit.
Amen