From the REC 

Lauren Considine

Trust in God 

Times are tough, and yet Saturday shines a ray of Light with the feast day of Mary MacKillop. In such times of uncertainty, the example of faith and charity which guided Mary’s life could be what we all need to keep going. Mary believed there was always something we could do to help and as long as we keep “trust in God” and in the end all will be ok. 

But I can’t see my family... Trust in God 

Yes this is difficult, but how blessed are we to have all of this Technology! Zoom parties, facetime chats, phones and emails to keep in touch. Mary relied solely on letters to communicate with her loved ones “My dearest Mamma...excuse my long silence. Surely, no matter how much I may delay in answering your kind letters, you never will believe that I am forgetting you.” As a family, take some time this week to connect with someone. Maybe write and post letters that would be so cherished at this time. 

But my child isn’t learning enough at home... Trust in God 

It may look different and not as successful in your eyes but what if they have learned all the things that we can’t teach them in a classroom? The feeling of connectedness to their family, patience and turn waiting, resilience and positivity in the unknown. Mary’s life was a constant uncertainty. She started up a school in a stable in Penola with no money and no students. She had faith that it would all turn out and in time there were enough students to build a real school. These students, just like ours, adapted to their environments and learned skills that they could with what they had.  

I miss my Parish community- Trust in God

In time, we will look back on this time and think of what is important in our faith life. Missing out on Mass might be challenging for us, but take some time to think about how Mary might have coped with being excommunicated from the Church that she dedicated her life. “How little any amongst us thought this day two years ago that of what we would each be doing today”. Written two years after her excommunication 22nd sept, 1873. At least we can continue to pray and find opportunities to connect to your parish through technology.

I can’t help... Trust in God

There is always something we can do to help- as Mary taught us “never see a need without doing something about it”. Find little things to do with our family to show that you are making a difference. Smile to someone on your walk, leave a note in the neighbours letterbox, wear masks, follow the rules, pick up some rubbish you see outside, help with the dishes. 

I know that this isn’t easy but take some time this week to talk about Mary with your child. Get them to think about how they could respond to the phrase “trust in God’ to represent Mary’s life and partake in an Art Competition. And on Monday, enjoy working through some of the activities set to help celebrate her Feast day. 

May you find the little blessings in this week. 

Lauren