RE News

On Monday morning, we gathered as a school community to farewell and give thanks for Fr Manny and his 17 years of service.  We listened to the word of Jesus and his message about the Greatest Commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind,” and “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” from the Gospel according to Matthew.  Fr Manny has been a living and honest model of the Greatest Commandment for us all here at St Joseph the Worker.   

As a parting gift, each of the students wrote a Prayer of Thanks for Fr Manny.  These were bound and given to Fr Manny on Monday.  We also gave Fr Manny an El Salvadorian cross, depicting children and workers, on behalf of the school community. 

For all of your love, compassion, leadership and service Fr Manny.  We have been blessed to have with us on the journey and we will carry you in our hearts always. 

With love and gratitude 

Staff, Students and families of St Joesph the Worker. 

Students' reflections about Fr Manny. 

At the end of last term, I asked students, “What does Fr Manny do? What does Fr Manny say? And how does Fr Manny make you feel?”  These formed the Gospel reflection which is shared below. 

In the Gospel we listened to today, Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandments, to love the Lord with all you heart, soul and mind and to love others as you love yourself.  Fr Manny, for the past 17 years, you have been a living and active model of the Greatest Commandments, showing your love for others and for God, in our parish and school communities.  For some of our families and students, and indeed our teachers, you have been a part of their lives from when they were babies.  Many of the students here today were baptised by you and received First Eucharist and Confirmation with you beside them, giving support, strength and love. 

I asked the students, “What does Fr Manny do?” 

“He is there at our Sacraments.” Some said that you run the church.   Others said you lead the church.  You are the priest of our school and say masses, reading the Scriptures and giving homilies.  Others said that you guide us in the way of God, help us build our relationship with God, teaches us about God and keep us safe in the church. 

The students hear you say prayers, Lord Hear Us and Amen.  They listen to you read the words of God and Jesus through Scripture.  And they hear you lead us when we are blessing ourselves. 

Lastly, I asked the students how you make them feel.  Each one of them responded with the biggest smiles on their faces and without hesitation.  “He makes me feel joyful, happy, Spirit filled, calm, holy and safe.”  They feel welcomed, trusted and familiar. 

In all that you say, in all that you do and all that you are Fr Manny, you have been an honest and truthful model of the greatest commandment for all of us here St SJW Primary School.  We will take these experiences and encounters with us and share them with those that we meet.  We pray that you continue to be an example of unconditional love, welcome, support and understanding to all you encounter along the journey. 

Go gently and be well, 

Kate

Kate Hart

RE Leader