RE NEWS

HOLY WEEK REFLECTION

As a school, during Week 11, we reflected on the events and meaning of Holy Week. 

The children participated in a range of experiences that allowed them to stop and reflect on the events that took place during Holy Week and what they mean to us as Christians.

The Retreat Day began with a Guided Meditation conducted by Mrs Ryan. This enabled the students to relive the experience of Palm Sunday. They were able to visualise what happened during this joyous occasion as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.

Our K-2 students and Mrs Goddard then led us through the events that took place on Holy Thursday. This included a re-enactment by the children of the following happenings:

The Washing of the feet: Jesus humbled himself by washing the feet of his disciples, demonstrating his love and service. This act is a model for Christian disciples to serve one another. 

The Last Supper: Jesus celebrated a Passover meal with his disciples, which he transformed into a memorial of his sacrifice. He shared bread and wine, saying, "This is my body, this is my blood". 

The Agony in the Garden: Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed and agonised over his impending suffering and death. 

The Year 3-6 students, with Miss Langfield, then took us on a journey through the Stations of the Cross, allowing us to experience the suffering that took place on Good Friday.

After each session, the children took some time to reflect independently and record their own thoughts on their Easter Story Wheel.

POPE FRANCIS - May He Rest in Peace

Over the past week, we grieved the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. 

He was a shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, and his life of service has left an indelible mark on the Church and the world. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope.

The funeral for His Holiness, Pope Francis, took place on Saturday in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. We flew our flags at half mast in memory of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. 

A beautiful memorial Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, preceded by Monsignor Wilkes, took place on Monday at St Mary and Joseph Cathedral in Armidale.

We give thanks for Pope Francis' leadership, his heart for the marginalised, and his commitment to peace and justice.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

SACRAMENT OF FIRST EUCHARIST

Our Year 3 students, Archer, Ivy and Georgie, will begin preparing for the Sacrament of First Eucharist in the coming weeks. 

The Sacrament of First Eucharist will take place on Saturday, 31st May, at 4pm, atSacred Heart Church.

Mrs Ryan will conduct a Parent Information Session for the parents of these children on Thursday 1st May, 3pm, at Sacred Heart School. If you are unable to attend this session, don't hesitate to contact the school so an alternative session can be arranged.

Rite of Enrolment Mass - Saturday, 3rd May, at 4pm, at Sacred Heart Church, Boggabri.

Retreat Day & Rite 2 Reconciliation - Friday, 30th May, at St Xavier’s Primary School, Gunnedah (Week 5, Term 2). Further details will be provided closer to the day. Mrs Ryan will transport the children to this Retreat Day and support the children throughout the sessions.

ANZAC DAY LITURGY

We began Term 2 with our school community coming together to commemorate ANZAC Day with a Liturgy in our ANZAC memorial garden.

The children participated reverently, paying their respect to those who sacrificed their lives in War.

ANZAC Day Prayer

Remember, O Lord, all those the brave and the true, who have died the death of honour and are departed in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life. In that place of light from which sorrow and mourning are far banished, give them rest, O Lord, thou lover of men. And grant to us who remain, the spirit of service which may make us worthy of their sacrifice, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES

Families are asked to return their Project Compassion boxes so that the money can be forwarded to Caritas Australia.

ALTAR SERVING - Are you interested?

Commissioning Mass - Saturday, 28th June @4pm - Sacred Heart Church, Boggabri

Parent Information and Session 1 with students - Tuesday 10th June

Session 2 with students - Tuesday, 17th June

Session 3 with students - Tuesday, 24th June