Religious Dimension
Welcome to Term 3
We are already looking forward to the start of Term 3, where we will begin preparations with our Year 6 students as they journey toward receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is a special and sacred time in their faith development and we are excited to walk alongside them.
Sunday's Gospel - Matthew 16:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower
At mass on the weekend and during Father Dispin's homily, he reminded us that while we often focus on the seed, it is the condition of the soil that matters most. He spoke about the rocky ground as a symbol of the times when our hearts become hardened through worry, disappointment, busyness or hurt. When our hearts are closed, it becomes difficult to recognise God's blessings, hear His voice or receive the Grace of God which he abundantly provides us. God never stops sowing seeds of love, hope and peace into our lives, but we are invited to prepare our hearts so that His Word can take root and flourish.
As families and as a school community, perhaps this is an invitation to begin the term by asking ourselves how we can make our hearts more like rich, fertile soil.
Could we slow down enough to notice the small blessings each day?
Could we choose forgiveness instead of holding onto hurt, or kindness instead of impatience?
These small choices help create the space for God's love to grow within us.
A few wonderings to share with your children this week might be:
- I wonder what the "soil" of your heart looks like today?
- I wonder what helps your heart grow closer to God?
- I wonder what "rocks" or worries might stop God's love from growing?
- I wonder how you have seen God's love at work in your life this week?
- I wonder what seed of kindness, hope or love you could plant for someone else this week?
May this new term be filled with hearts that are open to God's Word, ready to receive His love, and eager to share it with others.
Here is a video clip you could watch with your children at home about the Parable of the Sower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb7bvF5Ucrk
Important Dates
| What: | When: | Where: |
|---|---|---|
| Year 6 Confirmation Faith formation evening | Tuesday July 21at 6pm | Coghlan Centre |
| Year 6 Confirmation Commitment masses (only need to attend one mass) | Saturday July 25 at 6pm Sunday July 26 at 9:45am or 11:15am | St John's Church |
| Year 5 Level Parish mass and BBQ | Sunday, Aug 2nd at 9:45am | St Johns' Church |
| Year 6 Confirmation Reflection day | Tuesday August 4 - all day | St John’s Primary School |
| Feast of the Assumption | Friday August 14 at 10am | St Johns' Church |
| Year 6 Sacrament of Confirmation | Saturday Aug 22 at 11am | St Johns' Church |
Tuesday Class Masses
Nearly every Tuesday selected classes join the parishioners at the 10am morning mass. We would love you to join us to support the students as they connect with our parish community.
| Class: | Date: | Where: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All Year 2 with Mr. Preston | 14 July | St John's Church |
| 2 | Year 6 Reconciliation Mass | 21 July | St John's Church |
| 3 | Prep A | 28 July | St John's Church |
| 4 | No mass | 4 August | St John's Church |
| 5 | No mass due to whole school on Friday | 11 August | St John's Church |
| 6 | Prep B | 18 August | St John's Church |
| 7 | 3/4A | 25 August | St John's Church |
| 8 | School closure Day | 1 September | St John's Church |
| 9 | Year 5 with Prep Buddies | 8 September | St John's Church |
| 10 | Year 1 with Year 6 buddies | 15 September | St John's Church |
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and partnership.
Melinda Buscema
(Deputy/REL/Teaching and Learning)