Principal's Message 

 

Loving God,

You are our friend always.

We are good people but sometimes we hurt one another.

We are sorry for the uncaring things we do.

Thank you for loving us all the time even when we make one another unhappy.

Help us to be more caring and thoughtful towards each other.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord,

Amen

Reconciliation, Confession or Penance?

Our year 3 children have been  preparing to make their Sacrament of Penance. The children have learnt about taking responsibility for their actions and of saying sorry when they hurt others. Stories have been shared discussing the importance of putting things right. As parents however there can be confusion about this sacrament. It’s value in today’s setting is often questioned especially with the downplaying by society of sin. So what is this Sacrament? and what does it mean for each of us? 

Reconciliation is also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession. These titles are all aspects of the meaning of the Sacrament. Reconciliation is an opportunity for personal prayer and individual spiritual direction and a chance to set one’s life back on track. Through reconciliation, a person is reconciled in order to live as a better person. 

Reconciliation is a celebration of God’s love and mercy especially when there is a need to forgive or be forgiven. Reconciliation celebrates the call to say sorry after a change of heart. The Sacrament includes telling of (confessing) sins and receiving God's forgiveness. A priest helps to make this connection with God. Reconciliation allows the discovery of God’s love and to be strengthened to continue living as disciples of Jesus.

The Rite begins with a greeting, followed by words of encouragement from the priest. After a short reading from scripture, there is a reflection on circumstances and opportunity to confess sins and seek reconciliation. The priest offers advice and gives a penance that is meant to help in starting a new life and to remedy any weakness. The priest pronounces absolution and the rite concludes with a short thanksgiving. We usually have three to four priests, this allows each child the opportunity to have a personal reconciliation in a timely manner.

The benefits of Reconciliation include helping one know themselves better. Through this knowledge, it allows for reflection on choices and asking for God’s help to get through life. This in turn can help combat shortcomings in our own lives and can assist in breaking bad habits. Reconciliation can bring peace through God’s forgiveness and can help us to become more generous, patient, and loving. It can also help feeling strengthened and more resolute to be a better person.

This evening students from Year 3 will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Reconciliation candidates gathered together today for a Sacrament of Reconciliation Reflection Day as led by our Year 3/4 staff team.   I congratulate the children for their learnings in their preparation for the sacrament and wish them well as they gather to celebrate together.    I thank Fr Joe, Emma Strom (Deputy Principal/Religious Education Leader), the Year 3/4 team and our staff for their support of the children this evening. Please keep the candidates in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this evening:

Regards

Brian Martin

Principal