Religious Education
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations not only to the Year 3, 5 and 6 students who recently received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, but also to all the students who participated in this year's Sacramental Preparation Program. Throughout their journey, the children have deepened their understanding of God's immense love for them and discovered more about His saving plan for all people through Jesus Christ. Through prayer, reflection, learning, and participation in parish and school activities, they have grown in faith and come to appreciate the gift of belonging to God's family. We thank our students for their enthusiasm and commitment, and we acknowledge the support of parents, families, teachers, and our parish community who have accompanied them on this important step in their faith journey.
ORDINARY TIME
Now that we have celebrated the beautiful, high-energy seasons of Lent, Easter, and the great feasts of Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, our Church calendar transitions into Ordinary Time.
While the word "ordinary" might sound a bit plain to our ears, in the Church calendar it actually comes from the word ordinal, meaning "numbered" weeks. Far from being a boring or blank space, Ordinary Time (or Growing Time as it is sometimes referred to), is a beautiful season of growth, learning, and following Jesus in our day-to-day lives.
What Ordinary Time Looks Like for Our Students
If you walk into our classrooms over the coming weeks, you will notice a few visual changes that remind the students of this new spiritual season:
- The Colour Green: Our sacred spaces, prayer tables, and the priest’s vestments have changed from the white of Easter to green. Green is the colour of life, hope, and growth—just like the plants outside, our faith is meant to grow during this season!
A Focus on Daily Discipleship: In Religious Education, students will explore how to take the big lessons of Easter and put them into practice on the playground, at the dinner table, and in how they treat their peers. It’s a time to ask, "How can I be the hands and feet of Jesus today?"
As we enter this part of the Liturgical Year (Year A), our Sunday Gospels will primary focus on the Gospel of Matthew. Over the next few weeks, our students will be listening to and learning about some very core teachings of Jesus:
- The Mission of the Disciples: We will hear Jesus calling his followers and sending them out to heal, comfort, and spread the Good News. Our students will learn that they, too, are called to be modern-day disciples by sharing kindness and helping those who are lonely.
- Trusting in God’s Care: Jesus reminds us in the upcoming readings that God knows and loves every single one of us deeply—even counting "the hairs on our head!" This is a beautiful reminder for our young people that they are completely safe, known, and loved by God, no matter what challenges they face.
- Putting Love into Action: The readings will challenge us not just to listen to God’s word, but to do something with it
Ordinary Time is the perfect season to appreciate the quiet, everyday blessings of family, school, and friendship. With this in mind, we will come together as a school next week to celebrate and give thanks for another busy term of learning.
Invitation
All families and friends are warmly invited to join us at next week's whole school Mass.
When: Tuesday 16th June
Time: 9:15am
Where: St Patrick's Church
We look forward to seeing you there!
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader