Religious Education News
We are currently enjoying ‘Ordinary time’ in the Liturgical Calendar; a time to renew and grow our faith while we’re not officially ‘celebrating’ anything. These last few weeks, the gospels have been Parables which are stories that Jesus used to teach about different truths, designed to connect with the listener in different ways and his messages were often designed to ‘interrupt’ people’s thinking and shake up things at the time.
Today, we can still use these stories to help understand ideas that seem too complex for us to understand and form a viewpoint on such as the meaning of success, how we treat others etc and the message/s Jesus is trying to teach through his ministry and use of parables, still remain applicable to our lives today. There are simple ways we could thread the messages Jesus gave us into our daily lives.
The Parable of the Sower:
When we listen to God's message and choose to live it, good things can grow in our hearts and lives.
This could look like praising for actions, words etc that are working towards growth and development including jobs around the house, persisting at something hard and achieving it, displaying acts of kindness e.g. “That’s just like what Jesus was talking about in his parable of the sower!”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed:
Even small acts of kindness and faith can grow into something wonderful.
This could look like sharing a smile with those you walk past, making someone’s day, doing something unexpected without being asked etc.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan:
We are called to show kindness and help others, no matter who they are.
This could look like talking to someone you wouldn’t normally, seeking to support someone you know is struggling etc.
We can live out the messages of parables every day, if we look for ways to do so.
Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day:
This Saturday the 8th of August, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint. Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to serving others through faith, kindness and education. She believed that every child deserved the opportunity to learn and encouraged people to "Never see a need without doing something about it."
As a school community, we are inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop's example of compassion, courage and service. May we continue to follow her example by showing kindness, helping those in need and living our faith each day. Bec’s Prayer Gathering will be acknowledging this special date tomorrow.
Just a note that there’s been an amendment to Term 3 Prayer Gatherings. Maegan and Jodie’s class have been rescheduled to Term 4 due to Production week, so there’s no Prayer Gathering in Week 9. I’ve highlighted the change below.
Term 3 Prayer Gatherings:
Week 4: 7/8 4BG
Week 5: 14/8 1LM
Week 6: 21/8 2MO
Week 7: 27/8 1AH
Week 8: 4/9 Preps
Week 9: 11/9 PRODUCTION WEEK; No Prayer Gathering
Week 10: 18/9 4AD/MK
Rachel Downard
Religious Education Leader