Catholic Identity

Prayer for ‘Preferential Option for the Poor’

Loving God, Help us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first. Teach us to notice when others need support and to share generously. Through our Giving Tree, may our school and parish bring joy and hope to local families this Christmas. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our current Catholic Social Teaching focus is now Preferential Option for the Poor, which reminds us that we must put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first. Students are exploring how we can follow Jesus’ example by noticing the needs of others, treating everyone with dignity and sharing what we have.

Our St John’s Giving Tree is a partnership between our parish and school communities that puts this teaching into action. From 9th November to 13th December, we are collecting food, toys and gifts for local families who could use a little extra support this Christmas. Families who are able to contribute are invited to donate:

Non-perishable food: unopened and in date.
New toys and gifts: unwrapped and suitable for children aged 0–17.

Donations can be left beneath the Giving Tree in our school foyer, or at St John’s Church, Euroa. Families needing extra support this Christmas can contact St Vincent de Paul Euroa on 0476 231 989 or visit St John’s Catholic Church Hall on Tuesdays from 3:30pm–4:30 pm or Thursdays from 1pm–2pm. Thank you for helping our school and parish communities share the joy of Christmas. Every contribution is a practical expression of care for others.

Remembrance Day Prayer

Loving God,
As we prepare for Remembrance Day on Wednesday, we remember those who served and those who died in war. We pray for their families and for all people living with conflict today. Help us to choose kindness, care for others and bring peace to our world.
Amen

Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist

We are very much looking forward to celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist on Saturday 28th November at 6pm. We will welcome Bishop Rene to our parish for this significant occasion. We ask our school community to keep Noah, Charlotte, Emma and Ollie in their prayers as they continue preparing for this important occasion.

Family Mass

Our next Family Mass will be held on Saturday 28th November at 6pm (the same night as the Eucharist and Confirmation). All school families are invited to join our parish community as we celebrate Mass together. We hope to see you there!

Aboriginal Education - Rachel Timperley

Prayer for Care for Country

God of all creation,
We thank you for this land and for the Taungurung people, who have cared for Country across generations.
Help us to listen to the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and respect their deep connections to Country.
Teach us to care for the earth, protect its waters and value all living things.
May our actions today keep Country healthy for those who come after us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Aboriginal Spirituality

Aboriginal Spirituality is a source of lore and a way that Aboriginal people communicate their world views. It reflects the ideology that the ancestors returned to the earth which created our sacred and spiritual beliefs.

Genesis 1:26

Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness."

As Catholic educators, the identity and success of Catholic education is linked inseparably to the witness of faith given by the community who truly live their faith. Recognising and acknowledging the rich cultural expertise of Aboriginal spirituality will enrich our experience of the catholic faith.