Religious Dimension
Religious Education Symposium
Last week, Ange and I had the privilege of attending the Catholic Education RE Symposium. It was an inspiring opportunity to reflect on our vocation as Catholic educators and the important role we play in nurturing the seeds of faith within every child.
One of the highlights was listening to Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who shared a beautiful reflection using the story of Pinocchio. He reminded us that Pinocchio was manufactured versus being created, begotten and made of the Father rather than given. Different to a puppet we are made to grow, transform and flourish. We are made of God not from God. I wonder how this resonates with you considering our society today?
His message was a powerful reminder that Catholic education is about much more than academic learning. It is about helping every child discover who they are in God's eyes, recognise their dignity, grow in faith and develop the confidence to become the person God is calling them to be. It was an uplifting two days that affirmed the privilege and responsibility we have in walking alongside our students on their faith journey. Archbishop Comensoli reminded us that God looks upon each of us as He did in the story of Creation: "God saw all that he had made, and indeed, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). Each of us has been lovingly created with purpose, dignity and an invitation to become the person God calls us to be.
Another thought-provoking presentation was by Anne Kertz Kernion, whose focus on neuroplasticity challenged us to consider the incredible way God has created the human brain. We were reminded that our brains continue to grow and change throughout our lives, shaped by our experiences, relationships and the environments in which we learn and belong.
This message gives us great hope as educators. It was inspiring to see science and our Catholic faith working together, reminding us that God has created every child with the lifelong capacity to grow, learn and flourish. Anne encouraged us to nurture the conditions for human flourishing through stillness, connection, beauty and a deep sense of belonging. She reminded us that "the Lord lives among the pots and the pans," inviting us to recognise God's presence in the ordinary moments of everyday school life. Her gentle refrain, "All shall be well, all shall be well," was a beautiful reminder to trust in God's love and hope for the future.
Together, these presentations reminded us that Catholic education is about nurturing both the mind and the heart. As we accompany our students on their learning and faith journeys, we are helping them discover not only what they can achieve, but also who they are as beloved children of God.
Congratulations to Our Year 6 Confirmation Candidates
We warmly congratulate our Year 6 students as they continue their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Last weekend, many of our candidates and their families attended one of our parish Masses, where they were acknowledged by the parish community as they continue their journey towards receiving this special sacrament. Their presence at Mass was a wonderful reminder that Confirmation is not simply an event but a commitment to deepening their relationship with God and living as active members of the Church.
During the Mass, each candidate was presented with an Apostles' Creed prayer card, reminding them of the faith they are preparing to profess. Parishioners also received a prayer card featuring the names of our Year 6 candidates and have been invited to keep them in their prayers over the coming weeks.
We thank our parish community for their ongoing support and ask all families to continue praying for our Confirmation candidates as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. May this be a time of growth, courage and joy as they take this important step in their faith journey.
Adult Faith Formation evening - Register here
Important Dates
| What: | When: | Where: |
|---|---|---|
| Year 5 Level Parish mass and BBQ | Sunday, Aug 2nd at 9:45am | St Johns' Church |
| Year 6 Confirmation Reflection day | Tuesday August 4 - all day | St John’s Primary School |
| Feast of the Assumption | Friday August 14 at 10am | St Johns' Church |
| Year 6 Sacrament of Confirmation | Saturday Aug 22 at 11am | St Johns' Church |
Tuesday Class Masses
Nearly every Tuesday selected classes join the parishioners at the 10am morning mass. We would love you to join us to support the students as they connect with our parish community.
| Class: | Date: | Where: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Prep A | 28 July | St John's Church |
| 4 | No mass | 4 August | St John's Church |
| 5 | No mass due to whole school on Friday | 11 August | St John's Church |
| 6 | Prep B | 18 August | St John's Church |
| 7 | 3/4A | 25 August | St John's Church |
| 8 | School closure Day | 1 September | St John's Church |
| 9 | Year 5 with Prep Buddies | 8 September | St John's Church |
| 10 | Year 1 with Year 6 buddies | 15 September | St John's Church |
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and partnership.
Melinda Buscema
(Deputy/REL/Teaching and Learning)