Faith Matters at SFX

Dear St Francis Xavier Families,

During my time away I have been touched by the warmth and assistance received from complete strangers. My travels have been enhanced by the kindness shown to me personally and by the goodwill I’ve seen offered to others - sometimes a simple gesture, sometimes people going above and beyond just because they see it as the right or natural thing to do.  

It’s encouraged me to reflect about what more I can do, during this Lenten Season and how I can continue to honour Lenten 'almsgiving' (the act of donating money or goods to the poor or performing other acts of charity) more consistently throughout the year. It led me to be reminded how vital it is for us, the adults, to model this to our children. I know you as parents do all you can to instill the values that you want your children to carry into adulthood. Here at school our staff provide many and varied opportunities for the children to look beyond their own needs by practising kindness, empathy, and selflessness. Encouraging them to engage in acts of service, like helping others or donating, fosters a spirit of respect, care, and consideration , strengthening their sense of community and compassion. 

Coincidentally, an article that resonated with me appeared in my emails this week so I thought I’d share an edited excerpt with you.

'No doubt you have a list—whether written or in your head—of things that need to be repaired around the house. Often, however, we find that many of these repairs are beyond our own abilities, so we turn to others to come to the rescue. Throughout the Old Testament, God intervenes to repair the relationship that his Chosen People have damaged. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus performs countless miracles that restore things: he restores health, sustenance, the natural order, and even life! Ultimately, God’s promise is to repair everything. Many people’s lives today are impacted because of unemployment, sickness, homelessness, abuse, incarceration, mental health issues, substance abuse, loss of loved ones, injury, broken relationships, and so on. In response to this, our Christian tradition calls us to emulate God and to offer repairs. The Lenten pilgrimage is characterised by encouraging us to increase acts of kindness and support by which we cooperate with God in repairing lives. At the same time, we reflect on our own concerns and ask God to repair our lives—to restore us so that we may once again enjoy fullness of life.'

                                   — Adapted from 8 Steps to Energise Your Faith by Joe Paprocki, DMin

Yesterday I travelled through the beautiful, historic town of Richmond, just out of Hobart, and visited the local church, St John the Evangelist, which is the oldest existing Catholic church in Australia. (Circa 1836)

Blessings to you all.

Marion O'Brien

Education in Faith Leader