Education in Faith

On Wednesday evening, our Year 6 students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation in a beautiful and faith-filled ceremony surrounded by their families, sponsors, staff and parish community. The celebration was led by Episcopal Vicar Fr Andrzej Madry alongside Fr Martin, making the evening a very special occasion for all involved.

Earlier in the day, students participated in a special retreat day at school as part of their preparation for the sacrament. Throughout the day, students took part in activities focused on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, presented their Saint projects and enjoyed a burger bar together, helping to make the day both meaningful and memorable.

It was wonderful to see our students participate with such reverence, confidence and joy as they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit and took this important next step in their faith journey. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and commitment they have shown throughout their preparation and during the celebration itself.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr Andrzej Madry and Fr Martin for leading such a meaningful celebration, and to our staff and families for the care, guidance and support they have provided our students along the way. We also extend a very special thank you to Mr Homer and Ms Newey for the tremendous care, time and dedication they gave to preparing the students so thoughtfully for this important sacrament.

Pentacost

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost - the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit continues to guide, strengthen and inspire us in our daily lives. As a school community, we pray that we may continue to live with courage, kindness and faith, sharing God’s love with those around us.

Gospel Reading

John 20:19-23Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Family Connection

Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, the domestic Church, we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both. Today is a fitting time to share a family celebration of reconciliation.

As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is a situation or an issue within the family that needs attention, spend some time reflecting on how your family might address it. Read together today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23. Talk together about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in the work of forgiveness and to bring us peace. Pray together today’s Psalm or the Prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking that the Holy Spirit help your family. Share with one another a Sign of Peace.

Le míle beannacht,

(with a thousand blessings)

Bronagh Maloney

Religious Education Leader