Religious Education

What does the Catholic Church teach about caring for the environment?

“The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. We are called to respect this gift. We are responsible for taking care of the world we live in and for sharing all the wonders and resources the earth gives us.” (Caritas Australia).

In the opening words of Laudato Si’, On care for our common home, Pope Francis wrote that St Francis of Assisi reminded us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”.

This encyclical letter, written in 2015, is essential reading for understanding not only the value the Catholic Church places on care for our common home – the environment – but also the links between our concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and inner peace. This connection between humans and the environment is understood as “integral ecology”. Pope Francis reminds us that, “we are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental” (Laudato Si', n. 139). 

During Term Three, the students have explored sustainability and taking care of our common home. Ask them to share what they have been learning. Discuss and decide on some actions that can be undertaken at home that will benefit the environment now and into the future.  

Sacrament of Confirmation 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church.  This powerful sacrament continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop lays his hands on the baptised person and prays that the Holy Spirit will fill the person with spiritual gifts. Then, using holy oil, the bishop  makes a cross on the person’s forehead. It is usual for the person being confirmed to take on an extra name, that of a particular saint. The saint will be a source of inspiration by the way he/she lived life while on earth, and an intercessor in prayer to God.

 At St Michael's, the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to the baptised Catholic students in Year Six.  This powerful sacrament will take place on the evening of Wednesday 29th October.

A reminder that the Family Faith Evening for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be held at 6.00 - 7.00 pm on Thursday 4th September in The Hub. 

Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Intentions

August is dedicated to 'mutual coexistence' or 'accepting everyone'. 

Pope Leo XIV has asked the world to pray for mutual coexistence during the month of August. 

There is an old saying, “If everyone was the same then the world would be a very boring place.” 

We need to accept and value our similarities and differences. 

This needs to be encouraged by our faith, community and world leaders. 

Often the change needs to begin with us, the everyday people. 

Please try to find some quiet time in your busy day to pray Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for the month of August. 

Thank you. 

For mutual coexistence

Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons. 

Amen