Faith and Mission 

Holy Week Liturgy

On Tuesday we came together to reflect on our Lenten journey.  We were reminded of the meaning of Lent, and as Faith and Mission Captain, Kent Mijares said, why we fast, pray and give:

“We fast to deprive ourselves of a basic necessity which reminds us of our utter dependence on God. Traditionally, the money saved while fasting is given away to the needy.

We pray because we have a need inside of us that cannot be filled by ourselves or others; we have a longing and must look to God.

We give because the gifts we are given by God are not meant just for us, but for us to share with others, for the service of others.”

Our RE Leader, Mr Farrelly, called for representatives of the school’s RE classes to bring forth their contributions to the Caritas appeal, Project Compassion.

We reflected on the story from the Gospel of John (13:1-15) about Jesus washing the feet of his disciples to their astonishment.  The story is about servant leadership which is at the heart of the Gospel values.  As Year 12 student, Chrishni Fernando, said in the liturgy: “the washing of the feet is a symbol of service, humility, and purification.  By choosing to serve others, we are choosing for Christ to be a part of our lives.” She then challenged the audience with the question: “how will you choose to serve others?”

Then we witnessed a re-enactment of this story.  Fr Brendan, Mr Hogan and Dr Biggin each washed the feet of four students and staff – it was a moving ritual.

Next a group of Year 12 students dramatized the crucifixion.  Aiden Cachart (Jesus), Maria Hinen (Mary), Kevin Williams (centurion), Roman soldiers Stella Farajala and Barbara Huynh, and disciples Venice Babao and Christopher Kelly.

Then Fr Brendan Lane PP delivered a wonderful homily centred on the virtue of respect. Respect for self, for others and for God is what Jesus teaches us, he said.  As human beings we all at times fail to respect ourselves and others. However, it is always possible to change direction and to be renewed, by recognising that as children of the living, forgiving and gracious God, we are called to be life-giving and loving to ourselves and to others.  This is the ultimate meaning and purpose of human life.

I finish this column with a prayer offered by Mr Hogan to the audience at the conclusion of the liturgy:

Loving God, we give thanks for the great gift of new life that Jesus’ Resurrection means to us.  Help us to live like Jesus and to be like him in our daily meetings with people.  We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

May every family of St John’s enjoy the loving embrace of family, friends and of the Holy Spirit during the Easter break.