Religious Education
Marylene Douglas
All students attending St Louis de Montfort's Aspendale have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.
Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day celebrating LOVE. While commonly associated with romantic love, the days origins are deeply rooted in the history of the Catholic Church, reflecting faith, love and the legacy of Saint Valentine.
Saint Valentine, a Roman priest and physician from the third century, is distinguished for his remarkable compassion and love. Beyond his roles as a priest and doctor, he was a genuine caretaker, someone deeply concerned about the well-being of both the body and spirit of those around him.
His actions spoke louder than words when it came to love. He was a compassionate helper, extending kindness to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. In an era marked by mistreatment based on one’s beliefs, Saint Valentine courageously stood up for love and faith.
Even in the face of severe challenges and hostility from others for his beliefs, Saint Valentine refused to abandon his commitment. He remained true to his love for God and humanity, demonstrating extraordinary bravery that ultimately led to his martyrdom.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s more than just a time for flowers and chocolates; it is a moment to honor someone who loved others so profoundly that he sacrificed everything. Saint Valentines story serves as a powerful lesson, encouraging us to be kind, loving and steadfast in standing up for our beliefs, no matter how daunting the circumstances. His enduring example of love continues to inspire and resonate with us today.
In Catholic teachings, love is not just a superficial feeling; it involves doing good things for others, showing generosity, and placing others before ourselves. Recognizing that love can take different forms helps people understand how Valentine’s Day aligns with what Catholics believe.
The Catholic faith encourages individuals to go beyond societal norms about love. It encourages a deeper comprehension of love that extends beyond romantic gestures. It emphasizes being good friends, developing strong family connections and caring for others, lending a helping hand, showing kindness and considering the well-being of our entire community.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let us reflect on its roots in the life of Saint Valentine and the values of love in Catholicism. Embrace traditions that align with the Catholic faith, connecting you to love in all its various forms.
This Valentine’s Day, let faith and love blend together, going deeper than just romance and embrace the deep values of our Catholic faith. Show Love Today!
Important Dates.
(** All Dates subject to change!)
Sun 23rd Feb- Prep Welcome Mass at Braeside Park 10.30 am.
All Prep and Year 6 families welcome!
Tues 4th March- Shrove Tuesday
Wed 5th March- Ash Wednesday - Mass at 12pm in St Louis' Church
Sun 9th March- First Sunday Of Lent
Sat 15/Sun 16th March- Yr 4 Eucharist Commitment Masses
Fri 18th April- Good Friday
Sun 20th April- Easter Sunday
Thurs 24th April- St Louis' Feast Day Mass- 9.15am in the school hall
Thurs 1st May- Yr 4 Eucharist Family Night
Tues 6th/Tues 13th May- Yr 4 Eucharist Journey Masses
Thurs 8th May- Mother's day Mass-9.15am in the school hall
Sun 18th May- First Eucharist Massesto be held at St Brigid's Church 1pm/2.30pm
Sat 30/ Sun 1st June- Yr 6 Confirmation Commitment Masses
Sat 14/Sun 15th June- Yr 5 Family Masses
Thurs 26th June- Feast of the Sacred Heart- Whole School Mass-9.15am in the hall
Tues 22/Thurs 24 July- Yr 6 Confirmation Journey Masses
Sun 3 Aug- Yr 6 Confirmation to be held at St Brigid's Church 1pm/3.00pm
Fri 8th Aug- Feast of St Mary of the Cross
Fri 15th Aug- Feast of the Assumption- Whole School Mass-9.15am in the hall
Sat 16/Sun 17th Aug- Year 1 Level Masses
Sat 23/Sun 24th Aug- Year 3 Reconciliation Commitment Masses
Thurs 18th Sept- Yr 3 Reconciliation Journey Mass
Wed Oct 15th -Yr 3 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Sat 25th/Sun 26th Oct - Year 2 Family Level Masses
Sun 1st Dec- Advent Begins
Tues 16th Dec- End of Year Mass-Whole School Mass-9.15am in the hall