Religious 

Education News

Sacrament of Confirmation

‘Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on

 the soul, a spiritual mark, which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a person with the seal of his Spirit, by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1304)

This Friday, 25th August, Year six students from St Francis Xavier will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is one of the sacraments of Initiation. 

As confirmed Catholics, we are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely. 

Bishop Emeritus Terry Brady will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to our Year six students who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please keep these students in your prayers. 

Confirmation Reflection Day

On Wednesday 23rd August, students in Year Six took part in a Confirmation Reflection Day. The students engaged in a variety of tasks, activities and workshops, allowing them to contemplate the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation in their everyday experiences. Each student had the opportunity for personal prayer, spiritual development, meditation and a deeper understanding of their role of living as a disciple of Christ. 

The teacher-led sessions revolved around the idea of carrying forward the teachings of Jesus and embodying the principles of Catholicism in our lives. Additionally, they engaged in discussion about the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Our Year Six students wrote a few words about their special day. 

Yesterday, Year 6 participated in a Confirmation reflection day, led by the Year 6 teachers Mr Criniti & Mrs Kyriakou, RE coordinator, Mrs Barbera and Mrs Hannigan. We started the afternoon with a calm and peaceful introduction and prayer, led by Mrs Barbera. She explained to us what Confirmation is and talked to us about her own personal experience of her Confirmation. Mrs Kyriakou then asked us about how we will continue the work of Jesus after being confirmed. We watched a generous act of kindness of an old man who was standing up on the train and a lady offered her seat to the old man, as she was younger and had more energy. We then found out that she needed crutches, but despite being in pain standing, found the goodness in her heart to help the man. We then learnt about the fruits and gifts of the holy spirit! (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control), which led us to create a chaplet of beads representing the beautiful fruits of the Holy Spirit that we got to keep. We also made a small card where we wrote about a time that we have lived out the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Later on, we designed a print for a candle with different symbols like a dove, cross or a flame. We ended our day with a calming meditation, to reflect on our journey in confirming our beliefs.

Lilliana Mediati & Luca Columbo

Fathers Day 2023

‘God took the strength of a mountain,

the majesty of a tree, 

the warmth of a summer sun, 

the calm of a quiet sea, 

the generous soul of nature, 

the comforting arm of night, 

the wisdom of the ages, 

the power of the eagle’s flight, 

the joy of a morning in spring,

 the faith of a mustard seed, 

the patience of eternity,

 the depth of a family need, 

Then God combined these qualities 

When there was nothing more to add, 

He knew His masterpiece was complete, 

And so, He called it … Dad’

On Sunday, September 3, we celebrate our fathers, grandfathers and fatherly figures in our lives. We acknowledge fatherhood, paternal bonds and the efforts of male parents toward their families and society. Next Sunday, let’s celebrate these men by showing them love, compassion and kindness. 

On Friday, September 1 we will be having our special Father’s Day Liturgy at STFX. 

Happy Father’s Day!