FAITH MATTERS

Welcome back to Term 3! We hope all students, staff, and families enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating holiday break. As we gather again as a school community, we look forward to the many learning opportunities, celebrations, and experiences this term will bring.

This week’s Gospel reading comes from Luke 11:1-3, where Jesus’ disciples say, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In these simple yet powerful words, we are reminded of the importance of prayer in our daily lives. Prayer brings us closer to God, offers us strength in difficult times, and fills us with hope and peace.

At this time, we keep in our prayers all members of our school community who are unwell, those who are hospitalised, and those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. May they feel God’s comforting presence and the love and support of our community surrounding them.

JJAMM Week

During Week 3, we celebrate JJAMM Week, honouring the lives and mission of Joseph, Julian Tenison Woods, Mary MacKillop, and the Sisters of St Joseph. JJAMM Week is a special time for our school as we reflect on the Josephite charism of courage, compassion, and service to others.

Throughout the week, students and staff will have the opportunity to engage in:

• Prayer reflections focusing on Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods
• pJJAMMa day
• Fundraising activities to support our chosen charity, “Mary MacKillop Today”
• Fun lunchtime activities in the LRC
• Walkathon

We encourage all students to participate fully and embrace the spirit of JJAMM Week. Together, let us live out Mary MacKillop’s call to “never see a need without doing something about it.”

May this term be one of growth, faith, and community for us all.

Loving God,

As we begin this new term, teach us to pray with open hearts.

Guide us to live with hope, compassion, and courage each day.

We pray for all who are sick, hospitalised, or grieving at this time.

May they feel Your healing presence and our community’s love around them.

Bless our JJAMM Week celebrations.

Inspire us to follow the example of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods,

so that we may bring light, kindness, and justice into our world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission