Ministry Coordinator News

Easter Reflection

First of all, I wish you a Happy Easter celebration to your families and our wider St Joseph Aberdeen Catholic community. May it be a time of grace as well as joy, especially in this Jubilee Year of “Pilgrims of Hope”, as we open ourselves to new encounters with Christ as the very ‘face’ of the loving and merciful Father.

A couple of weeks ago my 10-year-old son started his Sacramental pilgrimage completing the first stage of Reconciliation on the eve of the Sunday Mass celebration of the Prodigal Son. This reminded me that it was a good time to reflect on the messages of hope that we find in both the story of the Prodigal Son and the Easter Narrative. In the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son', we are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the joy that comes from returning home. Despite his mistakes and waywardness, the son is welcomed back with open arms by his father, symbolising the unconditional love and grace that is always available to us. Just as the son found hope in his return, we too, can find comfort in the idea that no matter what challenges or setbacks we face, there is always an opportunity to begin anew and be embraced with love and understanding. 

This message of hope is echoed in the Easter Story, where Jesus’ resurrection offers the ultimate reminder that even in the darkest of times, new life and transformation are possible. Easter is a celebration of renewal and second chances, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to move forward, to grow, and to embrace the future with confidence. As we come to the end of term and towards Easter, let us carry with us the hope that we can all overcome struggles, learn from our experiences, and celebrate the promise of new beginnings. May this season inspire us all to embrace the spirit of hope, renewal, and grace in every aspect of our lives and return for a new beginning in Term 2. 

Caritas – Project Compassion

Students and staff have continued to put their needs and wants aside to help others in need both at home and overseas by taking up the call of St Mary MacKillop's Way of the Cross – by having a 'care for justice and acting with integrity', by fundraising activities such as hundred clubs, guessing competitions and simple personal donations via the Project Compassion Boxes in their respective classrooms. 

Mrs White from our CAPA Faculty created a living mural so that we, as a school, could track how we are fundraising as a community – this mural will be used for all our charitable acts of compassion in the future.

Catholic Easter Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Father, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of Christian perfection. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your risen son, our Lord. Amen. 

St Joseph: pray for us. St Mary MacKillop of the of the Cross: pray for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Once again have a happy and safe school holiday and Easter break.

Vince Cooper

Ministry Coordinator