Religious Education

Welcome back!

Welcome back to a new school year! We are excited to see our school community come together once again for a year filled with learning, growth, and shared experiences. Last Friday, 31st January, we gathered as a whole school for our Beginning of Year Mass, celebrating a new year and the Feast Day of Saint John Bosco. It was a beautiful way to start the year, with students and teachers from Years 1 to 6 joining in prayer and reflection. A special thank you to 6T for their wonderful involvement in our Beginning of Year Mass, as they led us in prayer alongside Fr Ian with great reverence and confidence.

Thank you to Fr. Ian, our Parish Priest, for his ongoing support of our school and parish community. We are truly blessed to have his guidance and presence as we grow in faith together. We also extend our gratitude to Carmel Cristiano, our dedicated Parish Secretary, for her hard work and commitment. Strong partnerships between our school and parish are essential, and we are grateful for the support that strengthens our shared mission.

Gospel Reflection - Sunday 9th of February

Gospel Reading 

Luke 5:1-11The fishermen (Simon, James, and John) leave their fishing boats and follow Jesus.

Family Connection

In the people whom Jesus chose to be his closest friends—his disciples—we see many of the characteristic foibles of ordinary human beings. We also see the ways that God uses the gifts he gave us to transform us into new people, the agents through whom God will lead others to Jesus and to his kingdom. Let's consider the person Jesus chose to be a leader among the disciples and whom he sent to “catch people.” Based on the evidence found in Scripture, we can imagine what Peter must have been like:

• Peter seems unafraid to speak his mind, yet he is also able to take direction. In today's Gospel, Simon Peter lowers his nets as Jesus commands, but not before reminding Jesus that he and his partners have been fishing all night and haven't caught anything.
• Peter is a leader, a spokesperson for others. Today's Gospel suggests that Simon Peter was a leader in his fishing business. When Simon Peter chooses to follow Jesus, others become Jesus' disciple as well.
• Peter's personality and charisma seem to make him the center of attention; yet Peter learned to be transparent, to let others see Jesus through him.
• Peter possesses a dynamic and open relationship with Jesus. Peter often approaches Jesus and speaks what is in his heart.

Gather as a family and spend some time imagining the person of Simon Peter. Encourage family members to tell details about Simon Peter that they recall from Scripture. Consider these questions: 

1. Is Peter someone you would like to be friends with? Why or why not? 
2. Do you consider Peter a good leader? Why or why not? 

Read aloud today's Gospel, Luke 5:1-11. Jesus chose Simon Peter to be the leader of the disciples. Peter continued to be a leader in the early Christian community; we continue to speak of Peter's leadership when we call the Pope the successor of Peter. Discuss the role of the papacy and of other leaders in the Church. In what ways do we participate in the mission of the Church by leading people to Christ? 

Pray for those who lead the Church. 

Pray together the Prayer to St. Joseph, the Protector of the Church.

Thanks, 

Laura Zeeng 

Deputy Principal & Religious Education Leader (REL)