ST MARK'S KEYSTONE "Reflect"

R.E. News

Religious Education Dates for 2024

RE DATES:

 

Confirmation

  • Thursday 22nd August - Confirmation Reconciliation service - 11:40am
  • Friday 23rd August - Bishop Tony Ireland visit.
  • Saturday 24th August - Sacrament of Confirmation – 1pm and 3pm 

Eucharist

  • Thursday 31st July - First Eucharist Parent/Child Information Night at 6pm
  • Saturday 10th August – First Eucharist Commitment Mass – 6pm
  • Thursday 24th October - Eucharist Reflection Day
  • Thursday 24th October -  Reconciliation at 11:40am and practise
  • Saturday 26th October - Sacrament of First Eucharist mass at 6pm
  • Sunday 27th October - Sacrament of First Eucharist mass at 9:30am

Whole School Mass/Events 

  • Friday 28th June - NAIDOC Week assembly (1pm)
  • Thursday 15th August - Feast of the Assumption Mass at 9am
  • Friday 25th October - St Francis Blessing of the animals service from 9am to 9:15am
  • Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day service at 10:55am
  • Thursday 12th December - Year 6 Graduation at 6pm 
  • Friday 13th December - End of School Mass at 9am 

 

Junior Information Nights

  • Year 1/2 Good Shepherd Night – Wednesday 7th August (6pm)

Confirmation Reflection Day

On Friday, 14th June, all the Year 6 children, Mr. Davies, Stella, and the Year 5/6 staff participated in a meaningful Confirmation Reflection Day. The day's activities were designed to deepen their understanding of community and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The students visited the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, explored The Big Issue, and walked through the Fitzroy Gardens. Each group rotated through these activities, allowing them to experience each one fully.

At the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, the students learned about the life and legacy of Mary MacKillop, gaining insight into her significant impact on our community. This historical perspective highlighted the importance of compassion and service.

During their visit to The Big Issue, the children discovered how this magazine supports homeless individuals. They learned about the magazine's role in providing opportunities for those facing homelessness, emphasizing the value of social justice and empathy.

The walk through the Fitzroy Gardens was a reflective activity where the children explored and discussed the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This serene environment helped them to appreciate the presence and influence of these gifts in their lives and the lives of others.

Overall, the Confirmation Reflection Day was a rich learning experience. The children absorbed valuable lessons that will hopefully inspire them to support the people around them and contribute positively to the wider community.

 

 

 

Children’s Liturgy

The reintroduction of Children's Liturgy at St Mark's Church is up and running and looking for more volunteers! Training will be provided and the next session is due at the end of Term 2.

The Children's Liturgy provides a great opportunity for primary aged children to engage with the gospel in a way that is accessible and meaningful to them. It runs every Sunday at the St Mark's 9:30am mass during school terms. At the start of mass the Children’s Liturgy adult leaders take the primary school age children into the hall for a small lesson and activity about the gospel of the day. Parents are welcome to join the session if they would like. If any parents are interested in volunteering to help with the Sunday sessions, please email Andrew Davies - andrew@smdingley.catholic.edu.au

 

 

Gospel Reflection by Dianne Bergant CSA

The readings today remind us that poetic imagery is an apt way of describing the mysterious presence of God in our midst. The cedar began as a seedling that takes years to grow into a magnificent tree. The same is true of the mustard tree. It too requires time to develop its trunk and branches. The development of moral integrity in a human being is just as gradual. Rooted in God, it flourishes in God's presence and it produces fruit even into old age. Although God is present in all things, sustaining them and allowing them to follow their natural courses, God really transcends all things. Metaphorical language may be the best means for speaking about God and the things of God. It enables us to live in the tension that both reveals something about God and conceals God's real nature.

The reign of God also begins in very ordinary circumstances, and it matures gradually until it has spread itself far and wide. Although the mystery of the reign of God unfolds within human history, we need eyes of faith to recognise it. Like the cedar and the mustard seed, it grows within the concreteness of human experience. Just as the life force that thrusts the branches of the trees further and further out cannot itself be seen, so the reign of God is mysterious, even incomprehensible. Still, it is there, inviting us, urging us to move forward, transforming our world.

 

 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Congratulations to Isla, Lachlan, Angus, Jeremy and Marc who made their First Reconciliation over the last couple of weekends.