Religious Dimension
Religious Education
Welcome to everyone in our St John’s Community. We are so grateful that we are back, ready to begin an exciting new year in 2023 and supporting the growth, knowledge and faith of our students this year.
Our staff have collaborated and decided that our Whole School Concept focus will be GRATITUDE. This will help us to make connections with our Religious Eduction and Inquiry units of work throughout the year. Gratitude will be a major focus for all of our students everyday. As a Family we invite you to share what you are grateful for at the end of every day.
Here is a beautiful reminder from Sunday’s Gospel.
Matthew 5: 1-12
In this week's Gospel we are reminded that we are blessed to have our faith which is a reminder or our we can live with gratitude for all that we have in our lives presently. Our faith reminds us that we are forever blessed, for the Kingdom of Heaven is ours. Jesus shared a very important scripture, the Beatitudes, reminding us to be grateful as we are indeed blessed even when we are uncertain or worried.
I wonder which line in the Beatitudes resonates with you?
The Beatitudes: NRSV Matthew 5:1 - 12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
Whole School Celebrations
This term we have some events to help us bring our community together commencing as soon as this week. Our Opening School Mass will be on Friday 3 February. Everyone is invited to attend.
We also have our Founders’ Day Mass in two weeks, to celebrate the St John's Community, recognising the contributions of our Parish Founders who helped to build St John’s community over many years and celebrate our New Year together.
Ash Wednesday Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday 22 February.
Easter and preparation for our Year 4 First Eucharist are going to be highlights for us as a community in Faith this term.
Important Dates this term!
| Friday 3 Feb, 9am Opening School Mass in St John’s Church | ||
| Date and Time | What | Where |
| Sunday 19 Feb, 11:15am | Founders’ Day Mass | St John’s Church |
| Wednesday 22 Feb, 10am | Ash Wednesday Mass | St John’s Church |
| Wednesday 1 March, 7 pm | Year 4 First Eucharist Parent Session | Coghlan Centre |
| Wednesday 5 March, 9am | Whole School Easter Liturgy | TBC |
Thanks everyone.
Melinda Buscema