Catholic Identity
Confirmation Retreat
On Tuesday, Year 6 students were immersed in a Retreat day, focusing on preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation- to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. The Holy Spirit was definitely present throughout the day, guiding the students to think deeply about their faith and spend time in quiet contemplation prayer. Students were fortunate enough to experience the prayer practice in the form of a Labyrinth and were surprised by how they felt afterwards.
Here are some things that our students have to say!
“During the retreat, I felt really calm and relaxed, especially while we were praying using the Labyrinth.”
“The retreat was really fun because I got to spend some time with my friends without the routines of school.”
“The part of the retreat that I enjoyed the most was doing the collage, I was able to rip up all my anger and create beautiful artwork out of it”
We pray for and congratulate the Year 6 students for making the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday and Thursday.
Preparation for Sacrament of first Holy Communion
Students in Year 3, with the support of their teachers are busy preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is significant as the students will receive the Body of Christ for the first time. The dates for this Sacrament are Sunday August 17 and 24 at the 8:30 and 5:30 Masses.
If you wish for your child to participate in this Sacrament through reading or Offertory, please contact myself and your child’s classroom teacher. To support your child in this preparation, families are encouraged to discuss the importance of receiving the Body of Christ as spiritual nourishment. The following resource could be beneficial in these conversations with your children. https://www.catholic.au/s/article/What-is-the-Eucharist-Communion
Religious Literacy Assessment
In week 3 of Term 2, all students in Year 4 across the Diocese of Wollongong will participate in the Religious Literacy Assessment (RLA). It focuses on religious literacy, knowledge and understanding of key concepts taught in the Religious Education program from Kindergarten to Year 4. Like all quality assessment, the results help us inform our teaching and celebrate the wonderful learning that is happening at St Joseph’s!
Students will complete the assessment on their iPads with their classroom teachers in week 3. If you require further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Some examples of past questions are below.
Where was Moses as a child when he was saved by God? Moses was in a (Basket)
In the Genesis story of creation God created human beings (In God’s image)
What are the symbols of Baptism? (Water, Candle, Oil)
What day indicates the beginning of the season of Lent? (Ash Wednesday)
The answers to the questions from last newsletter are:
On what day in Holy Week did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? (Holy Thursday)
What is the altar in the church used for at Mass? (Celebrate the Eucharist)
What symbol did God send to Noah to let him know that the flood was over and to confirm his special bond or covenant with his people? (A Rainbow)
What does the Church prepare for during the Season of Advent? (The Birth of Jesus)
Year of Hope Passport
At the beginning of this Year, I distributed each child their own “Year of Hope” Passport. In this passport are 6 locations across our Diocese that students and families are encouraged to visit. Many families across our school have eagerly visited many of these special locations. This week, we acknowledged Riley for completing all the pages in his passport and visiting each site.
Congratulations Riley!
Who will be next to complete their passport?
Mr Alexander Walker
Religious Education Coordinator