Religious Education
What a joyous occasion we had on Tuesday afternoon, as students, families, friends and staff gathered to celebrate the First Holy Communion of 31 of our students!
In the lead-up to the ceremony, there was a mix of nerves and excitement. After many rehearsals and weeks of preparation, the students made us incredibly proud on the day itself.
Some of the movements and gestures that are regularly practiced in church can feel overwhelming—especially when performed under the watchful gaze of teachers and loved ones. Blessing oneself with the sign of the cross, genuflecting with the right knee touching the ground, bowing before approaching the sanctuary, placing the left hand over the right to receive the host, saying "Amen," and then stepping to the side—so many small but meaningful details to remember!
Yet above all, what matters most is that each child was warmly welcomed into the presence of Jesus. In Him, and through His precious gift, they are offered the promise of eternal happiness. To reiterate what Father Joseph said in his beautiful homily, we hope this is just the beginning of a life-long relationship with the Eucharist, as the children continue to receive this sacrament regularly and grow in their faith. The Eucharist nourishes us spiritually, strengthens our bond with Christ, and guides us in living as His disciples each day.
A sincere thank you to the parents and families who have supported their child’s journey to this special moment. Your encouragement, example, and presence play a vital role in nurturing their faith, now and in the years to come.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Pentecost Sunday is a significant celebration in the Church’s liturgical calendar. It marks the end of the Easter season, which begins on Easter Sunday and continues for 50 days. During this time, we reflect on the joy of Christ’s Resurrection and His appearances to the disciples.
On Pentecost, we celebrate the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and Mary as they gathered in the upper room, just as Jesus had promised. This event, described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–11), transformed the fearful and uncertain
disciples into bold witnesses of the Gospel.
Because it was on this day that the apostles began preaching the Good News to people of all nations and baptizing them in Jesus’ name, Pentecost is often referred to as the "birthday of the Church." It marks the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world—empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Red vestments are worn at Pentecost Masses to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit, and we are reminded that the same Spirit continues to guide, strengthen, and inspire the Church—and each one of us—today.
As the Easter season concludes, Pentecost calls us to go out, filled with the Spirit, and live as joyful witnesses of Christ in our daily lives.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader