Celebrating the Season of Creation

As we continue to experience the season of Spring, we also continue to celebrate the Season of Creation in our Church. This began on September 1st, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. During this time we are reminded that we are stewards of this land and are invited to make a commitment to care for the world.

There continue to be many reminders of how we experience God’s presence in our environment each day at SMCM, from the vegetables and herbs growing in our gardens, to the array of colourful flowers sprouting fromt heir roots, to the many bugs that are taking up residence in nearby trees. May we stop and take the time to reflect on our many blessings.

God, our Creator,

As we take in the sights, smells and sounds in our environment, we are filled with wonder.

Help us to sense your presence in every wind, breeze and breath we take.

Teach us to recognise that to care for the atmosphere is to celebrate the very life we, and all of this planet, receive directly from you.

In the name of Christ who renews all things in creation.

Amen.

Hopefully these holidays provide us with opportunities to explore the outdoors and our ever so beautiful environment that surrounds us.

Have a wonderful and restful holiday!

Parish Masses

Thank you to the families who attended the celebration of Masses over the term.

Parish masses will begin next term in Week 2.

Foundation Mass Reflection

Last Friday, our Foundation students celebrated a special Mass with Father Tien and their families. The students sat reverently, joining in the singing and listening attentively to the Gospel. During the service, we learned a valuable lesson from Jesus' message: before we judge others, we must first look into our own hearts. Jesus calls us to be kind, understanding, and to help one another with love. We were reminded to open our hearts to His message and strive to live like Him each day.

After Mass, the students stayed back to explore and connect with the significant objects found in the church, deepening their understanding of the sacred space:

Altar: The table where we celebrate the Eucharist.
Sanctuary: The elevated area around the altar, much like a stage, symbolising the sacred space of worship.
Lectern: The stand from which the Word of God is proclaimed.
Presider’s Chair: The chair where the priest sits during Mass.
Paschal Candle: A candle blessed and lit for the first time at the Easter Vigil, symbolising that Jesus is the Light of the World.

Father Tien explained the location of the baptismal font and the tabernacle, and shared why they are placed outside of our sacred space.

It was a wonderful way to conclude what had been a busy and fulfilling week.

I wonder, what was your favourite part of the Mass…

“I was reverent during Mass because I bowed.”- Scarlett

“My favourite part of Mass was reading.”- Luca

“I was calm and quiet during Mass.” -Belle

“I liked to sing with everyone.”- Alessia

“I liked sharing the Gospel and sitting quietly.”- Emily

“I sat calmly and quietly.”- Leora

“I answered questions about God and Jesus” - Cleo

“I used my listening ears” - Matthew I

“I enjoyed singing the songs we practised” - Indigo

Sarah

Education in Faith Leader

Sarah.Spiteri@smcmeppingnth.catholic.edu.au

Contact Information

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop