Religious Education
First Communion
Last Thursday the Grade 3s participated in a retreat day in preparation for their First Communion. It was a joyous day with lots of learning, sharing and reflecting on the importance of the Sacrament of Communion.
The two main themes we students focused on were ‘thanksgiving’ and ‘service’. The word Eucharist means ‘thanksgiving’ and calls us to serve as Jesus did. Reading the story of the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist “do this in memory of me”, immediately he washed the disciples feet as an act of service and said “this is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you”.
In the afternoon they looked at the significance of symbols in the sacraments, their meaning and created their own First Communion banners. Students ended the day visiting the Church to investigate liturgical items and learn how to reverently receive Communion.
This week the grade 3s also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation again with Fr Justin and Fr Andrew at Church in preparation for the First Communion. Like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God welcomes us with open arms when turn to Him for forgiveness, helping us pass on that mercy and love to all those around us. Fr Andrew also helped the students understand the mass going through the liturgy and responses with students as well as practising with un-consecrated bread how to reverently receive Communion.
We look forward to journeying with them in this new chapter of their spiritual lives that will help them grow closer to Christ. We ask that you pray for the candidates at their families at this time.
Important dates for families:
Sat 25 May - 6pm First Communion Family Commitment Mass
Tues 28 May - 3.30pm First Communion Family Faith Sharing Afternoon
Tues 4 June - 5pm & 6.30pm Mass for First Communion
Gospel
Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
Unpacking the Scriptures
This week we return back to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, however on Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity (high feast day) of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to reflect on our faith one God who has revealed himself in three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Gospel we read is from Matthew taking place on the mountaintop. This is a recurring theme both in the Old and New Testament - when God has an important messag to communicate with his people, he uses the mountain top! Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop, delivered the Sermon on the mount and now commissions the disciples before ascending into heaven.
The mission of Jesus is now to be taken “to all nations”, and the task is to baptise and teach them “to obey everything I commanded you”. As baptised Christians, we share in the life of the Trinity and seek to invite others to share in God’s love.
Family Connection
As you gather as a family, recall the baptism of your children and others you have witnessed. Bring out the photo album and momentos! What were some of the symbols used and why? How did you celebrate? Notice that Jesus taught his disciples to baptise all nations - every one is created, known and loved by God. We make the sign of the cross which we were anointed with at our baptism as a sign of our lives in Christ, reminding us that we are united with him. Each one of us has been called to the same mission the disciples were on that mountain. Let us take comfort in Jesus’ words, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We chose to share in this life with God through our baptism and can put into practice his mission to us with how we love one another.
Pray
Gather together as a family, light a candle and acknowledge that you are in the presence of God in a moment of silence. Read the Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 aloud. Conclude by thanking God for sharing his life with us. Consider how you can celebrate the feast day as a family this Sunday - go to Mass and share a meal together afterwards giving thanks for your lives shared with the Holy Trinity. Pray the Glory Be prayer and make the sign of the cross:
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen.
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader