Education in Faith
Confirmation
In preparation to celebrate Confirmation, our Year 6 students had the pleasure of welcoming Bishop Tony during a school visit on the 23rd of August. During this visit, they had the opportunity to share their extensive knowledge of saints, which was beautifully showcased in their Saints Projects. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the families and sponsors for their support and encouragement throughout the students' preparation for Confirmation, particularly with preparing the Saint Projects.
On Thursday, 5th September, our Year 6 students took a significant step in their faith journey, celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in a beautiful Mass led by Bishop Tony Ireland. It was a truly special occasion, filled with reverence and joy as the students received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We congratulate them and look forward to watching them grow in their faith.
Sunday's Gospel
Today’s Gospel invites us to consider how we witness the healing presence of Christ in our care for and ministry to those who are sick. We notice that the deaf man is brought to Jesus for healing by his friends. These people beg Jesus to lay his hands on this deaf man so that he might be healed. Jesus’ healing power is shown in his opening of the man’s ears and the restoring of his speech. When family members care for one another when they are sick, they bring Christ’s healing presence. When we pray for those who are ill, we ask God to show his healing power. When health is restored, we share that good news with others.
As you gather as a family, recall a time when a family member was ill. What steps were taken to help restore this family member to health? Talk about what it feels like to care for a person who is ill, and about how it feels to be the sick person being cared for. In today’s Gospel, we hear about a time when Jesus healed a man who was deaf. Read today’s Gospel, Mark 7:31-37. Notice how the man who was cured and his friends could not honour Jesus’ request to keep quiet about Jesus’ power to heal. We continue to celebrate Jesus’ healing presence in our lives by giving thanks to God for the gift of healing and health. Conclude in prayer, thanking Jesus for the gifts of health and healing. Pray together for those who are sick. After each person is named, pray, “Jesus, heal us.”
Loyola Press, 2024