Education in Faith

Religious Education News

‘BE THE KINDNESS YOU WANT TO RECEIVE’

TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday 1 September, 2019

Gospel of Luke 14: 1, 7-14, 9

‘And he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee’

CONFIRMATION

Last week we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with the Year Six children from our two parish schools. All four ceremonies were joyous celebrations of this next stage in our children’s journeys of faith. It was a great privilege to work with the children, their families, their teachers and members of our parish team in a collaborative effort to prepare and organise these celebrations. We greatly appreciated Bishop Curtin’s involvement with our Confirmation this year and the part he plays in celebrating with our school parish and our family.

Many thanks again to all of the people involved in the preparation of the Masses – Fr Terry, Fr Michael, Nick Boyhan, Cassie Northrop, and Sarah Karakaltses. A big thank you to our musicians and singers for the entire celebrations: Fiona George, Vince Bumpstead, Phil and Clare and Suzanne. Their contribution enriched our celebrations. And finally, congratulations to the Year Six children on this very special and memorable occasion in their life of faith.

“God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another. I have my first mission … I have a part in a great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons…” (Blessed John Henry Newman)

BISHOP TERRY VISITING OUR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES

Last week Bishop Terry came to visit our Year Six Students a few days before the Confirmation Celebrations. Many questions were asked but the depth of the discussion was about why we choose our particular Saint name and what gifts do our Saint demonstrate. Our students were very interested to hear Bishop Terry Speak about Saints and the heartache that our church and faith is facing. 

We thank Bishop Terry, Father Terry and Fr Michael for celebrating our four Confirmations with us. The spirit they demonstrate to us is first class. We thank our parents, families and the community of St Francis Xavier for making the celebrations special.

CLASS MASSES

An important and much loved part of our RE Program at St Francis Xavier has always been the Class Masses. The children enjoy being able to share this special celebration with their friends and family. Class Masses will be at 9.10am and will take place either in the classroom or the church.

Congratulations to our Year Three students and staff for their Class Mass this week. Their theme of Gratitude highlighted how we are thankful for our families, friends and our St Francis Community. The gratitude extended to the many wonderful people, opportunities and advantages in our lives. Particular attention was made to our dads as we celebrate Father's Day this weekend. Their main aim was to reflect on family, connection and relationships which foster, nourish and support us to grow in love and faith.

Our next Class Mass will be our Year Six Children on Thursday October 31

Dates and times are as follows: 

Adriana Bownds

Religious Education Leader (REL)