Principal Message

Be Kind, Be safe, Be respectful, Be responsible, Be resilient, Be ready

Dear Parents and Carers,

The students have been learning about the Sacraments and being a Sacramental church. Several of the staff and Fr Manny have been or will be interviewed by the students to hear about our experiences with the sacraments.

A sacramental church refers to a Christian tradition that places significant emphasis on the sacraments—rituals or ceremonies believed to be outward signs of inward grace. 

In sacramental churches, like the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican traditions, the sacraments are central to worship and community life. They are often accompanied by sacred symbols, rituals, and blessings that help deepen faith and devotion.

They are seen as outward signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ to help believers grow spiritually. Here's a summary of the seven sacraments and their significance:

The Seven Sacraments

1. Baptism: This is the initiation into the Christian faith, symbolizing cleansing from sin and rebirth in Christ.
2. Eucharist (Holy Communion): A ceremony commemorating the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
3. Confirmation: A deepening of the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in baptism, marking spiritual maturity.
4. Reconciliation (Confession or Penance): Seeking forgiveness for sins through confession to a priest and receiving absolution.
5. Sacrament of healing: A prayer for physical and spiritual healing, often given to those who are seriously ill or nearing death.
6. Holy Orders: The sacrament in which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the Church.
7. Matrimony (Marriage): The union of a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of love, symbolizing Christ's relationship with the Church.

Why Do We Have Them?

The sacraments are believed to be channels of divine grace. They mark key moments in a Christian's life journey, from birth and initiation into the faith to marriage and the end of life. Each sacrament strengthens the relationship between the believer and God, and fosters a sense of belonging to the faith community.

During the last week of term 1, seven of our students will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We wish them well as they learn more about this very important sacrament.

Keep Smiling

Cathy