Religious Education News 

Dear St Mary’s Community,

Feast of the Sacred Heart

Last Friday, our school community gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart, a special time in the Catholic calendar that reminds us of Jesus’ deep love and compassion for all people. Our Faith and Social Justice Leaders, together with our Year 5 students, led a thoughtful and moving Paraliturgy that invited us to reflect on how we can show kindness, generosity and love in our everyday lives. This celebration is closely linked to our Winter Clothes Drive, an important act of service inspired by Jesus’ call to care for those in need. A final call for donations is now open and we encourage families to contribute clean, warm clothing by the end of Term to support those doing it tough in our wider community.

Thank you to our Faith and Social Justice Leaders and the Year 5s who led the Paraliturgy to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart last Friday. Please see some of the liturgy below:

Gabi: As you all know, today [Friday] was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The feast day is celebrated nineteen days after Pentecost, on the Friday after Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi was on Sunday and it’s when our Year 4 students made their First Eucharist.

Today’s feast day is all about love. It is about the everlasting love that Jesus Christ has for each one of us. It is a love that is prepared to suffer and even die for each one of us. It is a love that wants to be shared and grow in the world. It is up to every one of us here to be the Heart of Jesus. 

So…..what does the “Heart of Jesus” actually mean? 

Mia: Pope Benedict spoke about this in 2005 when he said that the  idea of “Heart” means the very centre of a person, where their most private and secret thoughts and intentions are. 

Lucy: Pope Benedict said that being devoted to the Sacred Heart of Christ means loving the Heart of Jesus which was pierced by a spear and from high on the Cross poured out blood and water - symbols for an indestructible source of new life…

Bella D: We have come together today to remind ourselves that we need to show our HEARTS in the form of LOVE to all - especially when there are many people out there who need our help.

Olivia T:

When times are cold and the winds are icy

We’re reminded of the harshness of life

of the pain and suffering, the hardness of heart

That causes much heartache and strife.

Today we pray for people in trouble.

We hold them before you Lord.

Be their light, their strength, their comfort and hope

Let their faith in life be renewed and restored.

Then the winter of life will give way to spring,

To new life, new joy and new way of living

We pray to you knowing that you heed our prayer.

We believe in your presence Lord and we know that you care.

Amen

GOSPEL: Luke 15:3-7: 

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus spoke this parable to the scribes and Pharisees:

‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.’

Reflection

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who has 100 sheep. When one little sheep gets lost, the shepherd doesn’t say, “Oh well, I still have 99.” Instead, he leaves the others safely behind and goes to look for the one that is missing. When he finds it, he is so happy that he picks it up, puts it on his shoulders, and celebrates with his friends!

Jesus told this story because He wants us to know that each one of us is special to God. Even if we make mistakes or feel far away from Him, He never gives up on us. Just like the shepherd looked for his lost sheep, God is always looking out for us and wanting to bring us back to love, kindness, and goodness.

Let’s remember:

• God loves every one of us deeply.
• We are never too far away for God to find us.
• When we say sorry and try to do what’s right, God and all of heaven rejoice!
• So this week, let’s try to be like Jesus — caring for others, helping those who feel left out, and remembering that everyone is important.

Closing Prayer: 

We give thanks for the blessing of being together 

and to cherish the Sacred Heart.

To make warmth and quiet for the heart.

To make soups and broths for the heart.

To cook for the heart and read for the heart.

To curl up softly and nestle with the heart.

To sleep deeply and gently at one with the heart.

To dream with the heart.

To spend time with the heart.

Along, long time of peace with the heart.

We give thanks for the blessing of community

As we gather to cherish the Sacred Heart.    

Amen

Winter Clothes Drive

Our Faith and Social Justice leaders have been inspired by the words from the scripture at our Reconciliation Week Paraliturgy and have created action to go alongside Faith.

Thank you in advance for supporting this important initiative.

God bless

Mr Millane