Religious Dimension

Pentecost

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday when we celebrate and reflect on the story of Jesus' disciples gathering in a room in Jerusalem. Tongues of fire appeared above their heads and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. It enabled the disciples to spread the Good News in many different languages and is often referred to as the Church's birthday. The Christian feast of Pentecost is fifty days after Easter Sunday and marks the culmination and closure of the Lent – Easter – Pentecost cycle. Red is the colour that is often associated with the Spirit. Red vestments are worn at Pentecost and red is often associated with confirmation. Red symbolises the intense love or ‘fire’ of the Holy Spirit. Other symbols of the Spirit are tongues of flame, wind and a white dove. Each of these conveys something of the wonder and mystery of the Spirit of God.

Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity Surveys

Thank you to the 13 parents who have already completed the surveys. We are aiming for 50 parents so that we can have a more accurate picture of our Catholic identity here at St John's. You don't need to sit down and complete all the surveys at one time. You can save your username and password and login and continue at times that suit you. I will be at school at 9:00am on Wednesday and Friday of this week to assist parents in logging in. The surveys close this coming Friday 31 May.

First Eucharist

Congratulations Lexie, Mason, Milla, Lucas, Chase, Bethany, Zhara, Monique and Jarrod on celebrating your First Eucharist recently. We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating your First Eucharist and may it be the first of many. May you always feel welcome in our parish community.

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

Today the school student leaders and myself attended mass at St Patrick's Cathedral to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. It was a privilege to attend as we were one of the few primary schools in the eastern region to be invited. Masses were held in all capital cities around Australia and live streamed for those who were unable to attend. The mass took place today on May 24, Our Lady Help of Christians feast day, as she is the patron saint of the church here in Australia. It was a wonderful celebration.

Video Message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison for the Bicentenary of Catholic Education

Important Dates to Remember:

May

27   Thursday        Reconciliation Week (Thursday 27 May - Thursday 3 June)

 

June

11   Friday              Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass 10:00am

 

Confirmation

Please note that the date for Confirmation has been changed and will now be on

Saturday 7 August at 2pm for candidates from St John's. Candidates from St James will be at 12:00pm.

 

Monica O'Shannassy

moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au