Religious Education
Reconciliation
This Monday the Year 2s participated in their retreat day for the Sacrament of Reconciliation they will be receiving later this month. It was a wonderful day of reflection, prayer and learning. Students focused on two scripture stories of Reconciliation - Zaccheus and The Prodigal Son. They reflected on the importance of sincerely admitting and apologising for wrongdoing, whilst making ammends through actions and receiving God's unconditional fatherly love and forgiveness. A big thank you to the Year 2 teachers Mrs Latto, Miss Harris and Mr Leach for their amazing work helping prepare the students. We ask that you keep them in your prayers on their faith journey.
Important Dates:
Tuesday 22nd October @ 3.30pm - 4.30pm: Family Faith Sharing Afternoon.
Saturday 26th October @ 6pm - 7pm: Family Commitment Mass.
Tuesday October 29th @ 2.30pm - 3:00pm: Prayer Service - all parents are welcome to attend to pray for their child and show their support before they make their first Reconciliation.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION - Tuesday October 29th from 4:30-5:30pm: Bookings available via SOBS.
October: Month of the Rosary
Gospel
Mark 10:35-45 (shorter form Mark 10:42-45)
Jesus teaches that those who wish to be great must be the servant of all.
Unpacking the Scriptures
In this Sunday's Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ disciples James and John have been arguing and asked Jesus for a place of honour, to sit at his right hand in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus explains that to gain such a reward requires sacrifice. He demonstrated the example of ultimate sacrifice when he died on the cross for us out of love.
The two brother disciples did not expect Jesus response; the life of a disciple means service and sacrifice. To put others first. Jesus is preparing them for leadership of spreading the Good News to the future Christian community. It’s not only in words but in actions that we must spread the message of Christ. To be a good leader means to practice kindness, generosity, patience and thinking of others needs before ourselves.
Family Connection
Power struggles seem unavoidable in the daily routines of family life. Whenever two or more people live together, there will be occasions of disagreement and conflict. Our Gospel story invites us to consider how authority and influence in exercised at home. There can be a temptation to hold power over others, especially when conflicts emerge and we want things done our way. Jesus teaches us that there is a more persuasive form of leadership - to practice the kind of leadership that requires putting others first; selflessness over selfishness.
Consider allowing your children to role play as parents asking for help to clean up the living room or kitchen. When the role play is finished, ask if it was an accurate representation of how this situation usually plays out in your household. Does everyone cooperate when asked? What happens when someone doesn’t cooperate? How are the conflicts that emerge resolved?
Pray
Gather together, light a candle and acknowledge that you are in the presence of God in a moment of silence. Read the Gospel Mark 10:35-45. Discuss Jesus' unique message about power and leadership he taught his disciples. Talk about ways in which you might apply Jesus’ words in your family life. We receive honour in God’s eyes by learning to serve others in love. As the month of the Rosary, pray together a decade (1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and 1 Glory Be) for peace in your home.
God bless,
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader