Rev's Review

I am writing this Review as I gaze out my window while on a Clergy Retreat at Palotti College, Millgrove.

The scenery is breathtaking.  The colours of Autumn filtering through evergreens and lingering through the senses.  Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy is leading the retreat. Why are retreats so important?  They are a time of renewal, learning, reflection, prayer and fellowship.

As your school Chaplain and a teacher, I am so privileged to be able to provide and nurture the Anglican tradition at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.  The true acceptance of all who enter this place is clearly seen and heard.  The Anglican Parish of Cobram as well as Cobram AGS, have my time equally.  The parish and school are not separate as a faith community. 

Just as a clergy needs time to just BE, so do parents, carers, staff and students.  I remember well the mum and dad’s taxi service, working full time, parenting full time etc.  Sometimes we have to let go of ‘DOING’ and just ‘BE’.  Even if it is watching a movie, reading a book, going for a walk. to be at peace and enjoy ‘STILLNESS’. Ten minutes of ‘SELF’ can be a saving grace in a fast paced world.  For those who may remember, there was a song that  had the words “ I’ve been to paradise, but I have never been to me…….” Don’t be worried to pray for ‘YOURSELVES’. 

The icon below is based on The Visitation in Luke 1:39-45.  This is where a young pregnant Mary greets her Aunty Elizabeth, who was a few months further along in her pregnancy with John the Baptist.  Yes John and Jesus are cousins.  It is told that John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary and Elizabeth hugged. They were forever intertwined.  The icon shows an older lady and younger lady.  Their embrace contains the image of a cradle.  A safe place, a loving place.  That is how I have the picture of the parish and the school. 

So what does this reflection say about us, our parish and school families?  Sometimes both the parish and school are involved in a lot of ‘DOING’.  Doing has an outcome.  We can usually, see it, hear it feel it.  To ‘BE’ is so  important, because when we take time to be held in a safe cradle of love, it is then we can leap for joy for what  we have and what we can achieve when there is peace in our hearts.

Messy Church

Our next Messy Church is Sunday 19th May.

4.30pm - 6.30pm

Theme: ‘We are all one body with many parts’.

Once more there will be a two course meal available for no cost.

Remember this is not ‘Kids Church. It is multi generational which means individuals, groups and families can come together.

Holy Communion & Confirmation

For those who wish make their First Holy Communion and Confirmation, this will be held on Sunday 21st July at St Margaret’s.  More information will be sent home next week.  There will be a meeting for parents and students who wish to proceed with this sacrament. People wishing to make this sacrament but be Year 4 and above.   Please contact Rev’d Maryann for any further information in the meantime via Dojo.