Education in Faith
OHR Feast Day Mass
Thank you to everybody who helped at last Friday's Mass. Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year - this year, that Sunday was on the 24th of November. This is also the feast day of Our Holy Redeemer Church and School. Our new parish priest Fr. Sang Ho was the celebrant for the mass and he was very impressed with the way the students joined in with the singing of the hymns so beautifully.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal 'Christmas Free Dress Day' - Friday 29th November
Here is the speech from MOnday's Assembly by the RE Student Leaders talking about our Christmas Free Dress Day' this Friday 29th November.
Good morning teachers, parents & students. A few weeks ago, the RE/Social Justice Team spoke at assembly and explained that the money raised from selling the zooper doopers every Tuesday and Thursday is going to the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Christmas Appeal.
For many people, Christmas is all about family. Spending time together, sharing a meal and creating meaningful memories. But what if you couldn't provide a meal for your family, or even a home? This is the reality many Australian families face this Christmas.
Therefore we have permission from Mr Dame, that every child whose family does any one of three things can dress up in Christmas themed free dress this Friday. This might mean red, green and white clothes or something even fancier.
This is the day of the Carols so you will already be dressed to perform that night.
The three different things you can do in order to be allowed to wear free dress are:
One - Bring in non-perishable food items, especially those with a Christmas theme. This will help provide food for a family to celebrate Christmas with a meal together. These can be left in your classroom or the office.
Two - Bring in a voucher for Coles or Woolworths. These can be used by a family who is finding it tough. They might use the voucher to purchase food or other vital household items. These can be left under the Christmas Tree in the office.
Or the final option is to bring in a gold coin and we will add this money to the money we are making from selling zooper doopers. All of this money is going to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
We know some people have already brought in food or donated vouchers so they don’t have to bring anything else in and they can still wear Christmas themed clothes. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
A snapshot of RE Learning in 1/2DE
The Gospel Value is Kindness. In 1/2DE we have explored how we can add a cup of kindness to those around you.
In the lead up to Christmas we pondered:
How can we show kindness at school?
How can we show kindness at home?
How can we show kindness in our community?
O Lord, Give me strength today to show kindness in all that I do. Help me to open my arms to those less fortunate and extend my hand to those who may need it, so that they may see You in my kind words and actions. Amen. Heavenly Father, Help us be appreciative and accepting of everyone's uniqueness.
Amen
Sunday Gospel
The liturgy of the Catholic Church provides a framework for reflection which is used by Catholics throughout the world. Each week in the Newsletter, you will find the Sunday Gospel as well as some discussion questions to have with your child/ren.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’
Discussion Questions
1. What are some things that you look forward to?
2. How do you prepare for them?
3. How much do you look forward to Christmas?
4. Over the next four weeks how can we prepare for Christmas?
5. Jesus asks us to watch out in Advent so that we can prepare for his coming. How can we ‘watch out’?
Nick Byrne
RE Leader